Cambodia accuses Malaysian-owned telco of 'illegal' cable-laying

Regulator warned of possible legal action against German CEO of Smart Axiata

20211028 Smart Axiata

Smart Axiata stores in Phnom Penh: The telecom operator has come under fire in Cambodia over 16km of fiber-optic cable that regulators say was laid without proper approval.  

SHAUN TURTON, Contributing Writer

PHNOM PENH -- Cambodian regulators have sent shivers through the telecom industry with a threat to launch criminal proceedings against the German head of Smart Axiata, a Malaysian-owned telecommunications company that they accuse of "illegally" laying fiber-optic cable.

Experts say the move, which comes as regulators have ramped up auditing of the telecom sector, could have major repercussions for foreign investment in the country.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.