Regulatory reforms proposed for sector

Implementation of a liberalized policy and regulatory framework for telecommunications necessitates substantial change to the role and functions of existing Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC).

Currently, the MPTC is the Royal Government Institution responsible for all policy, regulatory, industry planning and development functions for telecommunications sector.

Before 2005, MPTC was also responsible for the operation of the government-owned network and service facilities, engaged in the delivery of telecommunications services in competition with other operators.

In addition, it is responsible for the management of the government's financial interests in other commercial service's providers operating in Cambodia. The Royal Government of Cambodia acknowledges that the above arrangements are not consistent with a liberalized market regime, with international obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and with international best practices.

A new policy and regulatory framework will be introduced to enhance the development of efficient, market-oriented telecommunications sector and improve delivery of services to consumers.

To achieve effective separation of MPTC's policy development functions from its functions as telecommunications operator in competition with private sector operators, the Royal Government of Cambodia has established a new State-owned enterprise (SOE), called Telecom Cambodia, which has the responsibility for network management and service delivery activities, which was transferred from MPTC in early 2005.

In the draft of Telecom Law, a regulatory body will be established called Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) which is an autonomous and independent regulatory authority, in compliance with undertaking under WTO.

Within the framework set by the national telecommunications policy, the TRC will be required to adopt a transparent, impartial and objective process for all its regulatory actions and decisions. Public consultation will be an indispensable element of the process.

All stakeholders must have confidence that the regulatory decision-making process is fair and impartial and that decisions reflect an objective assessment of the competing interests of those affected by the decisions. All interested parties will be provided with an opportunity to comment on regulatory proposals that affect them before actual decisions are reached by the TRC.

(China Daily 04/10/2008 page29)