CamGSM
CamGSM, majority owned by businessman Kith Meng, operates Cambodia’s second largest mobile telecommunications network via its Mobitel and Cellcard subsidiaries, delivering local and international telecommunications services, as well as being an internet service provider.[1][2][3]
History
Originally CamGSM was a joint venture between Millicom (61.5%) and the The Royal Group (38.5%), however the RG acquired Millicom’s share for US$346 million in 2009.[4][5] This deal was initially financed through a $421 million bridge loan supported by Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Standard Bank and Leopard Capital’s Leopard Cambodia Fund. The loan was considered the largest and most complex syndicated loan in Cambodia's history, and was awarded the “2009 Asia Deal Year” by TelecomFinance.[6] The bridge loan was subsequently refinanced by a syndicate of Chinese banks led by Bank of China which extended a $591 million loan to CamGSM. Both Telkom Indonesia and France Télécom, each the largest telecommunications company in their 'home' markets, have since demonstrated an interest in acquiring CamGSM,[7][8] though Telkom Indonesia opted out of the bidding process in 2011 because of valuation issues.[9]
Company Profile
CamGSM, operating under the brand name Mobitel, has 2.6 million mobile subscribers - almost 16% of Cambodia’s total market share - making it the second largest mobile operator in Cambodia, behind Metfone’s Viettel.[10] CamGSM also claims to have more than 85% coverage in all cities, towns and villages.[11]
3G
Mobitel (CamGSM) and Mfone were the second providers of 3G services in Cambodia. Mobitel has been offering 3G services since October 2006. Mobitel reported in February 2012 that 3G was the fastest growing market in Cambodia in 2011 and it expects the momentum to continue in 2012 given the increasing affordability of smartphones and the relatively higher cost of fixed-line internet services.[12] Nevertheless, voice remains the main revenue contributor given the high levels of illiteracy.[13]
Corporate Social Responsibility
CamGSM employ's BP's hybrid solar-diesel split systems to power its base stations, generating 40% of this power via Solar.[14] In 2011, CamGSM distributed free SIM cards and SMS in a pilot project to tackle malaria. Under the scheme, volunteers are given mobile phones to report malaria cases with a simple text message.[15]
References
- ↑ Cambodia - Telecoms, Mobile, Internet and Forecasts Report reference Section 8.32 and Table 18, Paul Budde Communication
- ↑ The Thaksinization of Thailand, Duncan McCargo, Ukrist Pathmanand, NIAS Studies in Contemporary Asian History, 2004
- ↑ "Cambodian mobile firm CamGSM gets $591 mln funding", Reuters, November 4, 2010
- ↑ Royal Group of Cambodia Hires Two Banks for $421 Million Loan, Bloomberg December 1, 2009
- ↑ "Royal Group Completes Full Buyout of Mobitel". The Phnom Penh Post, November 27, 2009.
- ↑
- ↑ 'S%20TELKOM%20EXPECTS%20TO%20ACQUIRE%20CAMBODIA'S%20CAMGSM%20THIS%20YR%7C%7CdocSource%7C%7CMergent%7C%7Cprovider%7C%7CACQUIREMEDIA&ticker=DTE:GR INDONESIA'S TELKOM EXPECTS TO ACQUIRE CAMBODIA'S CAMGSM THIS YR, Bloomberg, April 26, 2011
- ↑ France Telecom looking at investing in Cambodia's Mobitel, Reuters, December 17, 2010
- ↑ , "Reuters", May 8, 2012
- ↑ "Business Monitor International", Cambodia & Laos Telecommunications Report Q4 2012, pg.36
- ↑ "Business Monitor International", Cambodia & Laos Telecommunications Report Q4 2012, pg.78
- ↑ "Business Monitor International", Cambodia & Laos Telecommunications Report Q4 2012, pg.36
- ↑ "Business Monitor International", Cambodia & Laos Telecommunications Report Q4 2012, pg.36
- ↑ BP Remote Telecommunications: CamGSM Phase 1 Cambodia
- ↑ "Business Monitor International", Cambodia & Laos Telecommunications Report Q4 2012, pg.79