Owners of mobile phone numbers that have been expired for no more than 180 days will soon be able to reactivate them by simply topping up their account. There is no need to re-register, according to an announcement by the Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia (TRC).
The December 22 statement explained that to ensure effective use of mobile phone services and protect consumer interests, the TRC requires mobile network providers to implement this measure from January 1, 2026.
Under the requirement, mobile service users may reactivate any mobile phone number whose main account balance has expired for no more than 180 days by merely recharging the main account. Users shall not be required to re-register at a company location or branch.
The TRC also requires mobile operators to retain the account balance for 180 days following the service expiry date. Within this period, the last remaining balance shall be restored to the user upon topping up.
“Before the 180-day retention period expires, mobile operators must remind users via Short Message Service (SMS) at least twice, as well as through the operator’s mobile application. These reminders must be sent at appropriate intervals to inform users of the final termination date and the opportunity to recover their remaining balance through a top-up,” it said.
In the past, some mobile phone number owners — especially those with “premium” or attractive numbers — have complained that their accounts were disconnected without prior notice, or simply because they failed to top up within a short period.
Premium phone numbers can then be resold to new customers at high prices.
Recently, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth introduced a six-month measure to eliminate the use of unregistered numbers or those registered in another person’s name. The measure aims to strengthen order in the telecommunications sector and enhance national security by preventing the use of SIM cards without valid identification documents.
At the Digital Government Forum 2025, held in early December, Vandeth warned that some operators are still distributing SIM cards to the public without requiring users’ personal identification, action that could lead to numerous problems. He noted that the telecommunications ministry is addressing the issue and expected that by June 2026, SIM cards without proper registration or registered under another person’s name will be deactivated.
