PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) has decided to give all mobile phone companies 10 months to strengthen their mobile services, aiming to improve the quality of mobile and internet services, as well as to improve the protection of consumer rights.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, 20 July, the Ministry of Telecommunications stated that the current quality of telecommunication services in Cambodia is still limited, and it has been one year since the Ministry worked with the technical team to prepare a draft "on the Quality of Telecommunications Services” in setting specific technical standards that are mandatory for telecom operators to improve the quality of their services and networks, as well as to participate in protecting and guaranteeing the interests of consumers in accessing quality telecommunications services in line with what they have paid for.

On 19 July, the Ministry issued a declaration on the “Quality of Telecommunication Services” to be implemented, and gave 10 months for all mobile phone companies to improve the quality of their services.

In the "Declaration of Quality Telecommunication Service," it states "In case any telecom operator does not comply with the minimum standards set out in this declaration, that telecom operator will be penalized."

The Declaration has eight chapters and 20 articles which aim to ensure that the information provided by telecom companies is accurate, acceptable, comparable and offers both price and quality options, to protect the interests of consumers, strengthen the quality of services and networks and ensure the accuracy of measuring the quality of service provided.