The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has improved communications, services and the work of people throughout the Kingdom, said its undersecretary of state, Meas Po.

He was speaking on Monday at a press conference on the “Progress and continuing work direction of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications”, organised by the spokesman’s unit of the Council of Ministers.

Services in all sectors, he said, were improving and people were gaining confidence in the country’s postal services.

He said modern telecommunications services promoted economic activities, which benefitted all people, wherever they may be, through mobile communication.

“Particularly proliferation of smartphones has been a boon to young people, students, officials, employees, workers, businessmen and small businesses.

“The modernisation of telecommunications and information technology has facilitated the carrying out of fast-paced work, sending money quickly and moving safely from place to place,” he said.

Po said through the telecommunications sector, students can research and study. Even doing business has changed from traditional to internet-based using technology.

“We’ve seen that digital technology development can bridge the urban-rural gap too. Typically, urban dwellers have more access to mobile phones,” he said.

The ministry, he said, has expanded its fibre optic network to the countryside, and it has built infrastructure and antenna stations in rural areas.

Service is not yet available through the Global Service Fund, a mechanism that encourages telecommunications operators to invest in the country at their expense, and can be deducted from the amount of contribution they are obligated to pay to the Universal Services Obligation (USO).

“This mechanism has enabled people in the villages who did not have internet access to pay for goods or sell their goods whereas had to go directly to conduct sales,” he said.

Po said since the government began promoting the development of telecommunications and information services, it has given people the opportunity to become more aware of the use of technology and improve family’s and community’s wellbeing.

He said each citizen is busy with his own business, which has changed mindsets to be more competitive. Now, more people in the Kingdom want to study and learn about modern digital technology.

Cambodia is currently developing a national policy to govern the digital environment, with the ministry being ahead in formulating digital policy.