Viettel’s “comeback” in the Kingdom of Wonder
When Viettel officially launched services in Cambodia under the Metfone brand in February 2009, Cambodia’s telecoms market already had seven operators. At that time, Mobitel alone held more than 50% of the market share.
However, Metfone achieved something unprecedented in the history of the global telecommunications industry. After just two years, by March 2011, it had risen to the No.1 position in terms of market share. Over the past 17 years, despite fierce competition and market fluctuations, Metfone has remained firmly on top. Today, it holds over 45% of the mobile market with 10.2 million subscribers and commands 57% of the fixed broadband market.
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Metfone remains the No.1 choice for Cambodian people when using mobile services. |
Metfone’s rapid and powerful success in Cambodia laid a crucial foundation of strategic trust for Viettel to accelerate overseas investment. The success formula of “infrastructure first, business later” and the strategy of “using rural areas to encircle cities” proved effective not only in Vietnam but also in international markets.
Metfone’s General Director Cao Manh Duc shared, “Every Metfone employee contributes to both countries, something not every company can do.”
Bridge of economic diplomacy
Metfone has played a clear role as an economic diplomacy bridge between the two countries. During nearly 20 years of investment in Cambodia, unlike other operators that focused only on densely populated urban areas, Metfone persistently expanded coverage to border areas, rural areas, and islands where geographical conditions are harsh and commercial returns are limited.
More than 500 base transceiver stations have been built in places where “only Metfone has signal,” ensuring uninterrupted communications for local residents. These stations have become information “shields,” contributing to security, social stability, and strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Notably, Metfone has played a key role in raising Cambodia’s mobile phone penetration rate from 29% to 120% and fulfilling the mission of bringing telecommunications and IT services to 97% of the population.
During Cambodia’s 7th National Assembly election in July 2023, Metfone was the only operator ensuring smooth and uninterrupted communications infrastructure. Another milestone was SEA Games 32 in May 2023 that Cambodia was the host and Metfone was the sole provider.
In 2017, the launch of the Indochina package in Cambodia eliminated roaming charges among Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, helping reduce call prices by 13 times and SMS prices by 10 times, creating a special effect of cross-border communication like domestic calls, boosting trade and impacting even the digital infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia General Tea Seiha commented that Metfone brings national pride, helps elevate Cambodia’s regional and global position in telecommunications and IT, and makes an important contribution to Cambodia’s socio-economic development.
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At the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, State President Luong Cuong presents the title of Labor Hero to Metfone. |
From Telco to Techco and mission of service
Metfone is leading Cambodia’s national digital transformation and entrusted by the Royal Government with the implementation of key projects.
From a mobile network operator, Metfone has transformed into a technology company (Techco) with a comprehensive digital ecosystem, spanning finance (eMoney), entertainment (CamID), and e-Government solutions.
In early December 2025, Cambodia officially announced plans to deploy a 5G network, with services expected to start in 2026.
Metfone’s journey from Telco to Techco in Cambodia continues to be demonstrated through two strategic components: TV360 and Metfone Express. TV360 is the catalyst bringing multi-platform digital entertainment experiences to every corner and narrowing information access gaps, while Metfone Express leverages the extensive network of base stations to become a logistics “lifeline,” facilitating the flow of goods for e-commerce.
The synergy between data infrastructure and transport infrastructure shows that Metfone is not just providing mobile signal, but is building the core platform for a comprehensively digitized Cambodian society.
“As a Vietnamese enterprise investing in Cambodia, Metfone brings not only technology, but also a bridge of friendship. Throughout this journey, we have always upheld our commitment of sustainable development and positive contributions to both countries, so that every connection is not just a signal, but also a bond between people,” affirmed Metfone’s General Director Cao Manh Duc.
Attentively, in education, Metfone’s School Information System (SIS) has reached more than 600,000 teachers and students, alongside the School Internet project covering 1,400 schools. In healthcare, Telehealth and vaccination management systems have proved highly effective, especially during the fight against COVID-19.
Since its arrival in Cambodia, Metfone has contributed nearly USD 120 million to social welfare, supported tens of thousands of medical cases, provided disaster relief, created jobs for nearly 50,000 local workers, transferred knowledge, and helped local employees master technology and shape their own futures.
Metfone was honored with Labor Hero title at the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress and it was a recognition of that spirit of service.
Translated by Mai Huong