Cambodia 108th on digital quality of life index

Cambodia has better internet infrastructure than India but its online security is the lowest in the world, according to a survey by cybersecurity company Surfshark. It ranked the Kingdom 108 out of 110 countries on its Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index 2021.

The study ranks countries’ DQL based on five criteria. Cambodia was 100 in internet affordability, 105 for internet quality, 110 for e-security and 100 for e-government. Its electronic infrastructure ranked better than the other criteria at 85, above India at 91, but it only ranked higher than Laos among ASEAN members.

Denmark ranked highest in the DQL index, followed by South Korea.

“Digital opportunities have proved to be more important than ever during the Covid-19 crisis, stressing the importance for every country to ensure fully remote operational capacities for their economies,” said Surfshark Chief Executive Officer Vytautas Kaziukonis. “The index sets the basis for meaningful discussions about how digital advancement impacts a country’s prosperity and where improvements can be made.”

Cambodia’s Telecommunications Minister Chea Vandeth says the government is committed to improve digital infrastructure, installing telephone antennas in all communes and districts across the Kingdom by 2027.

The ministry has been working on a digital roadmap for 2021-2035 to improve telecom infrastructure, telephone and internet services and promote e-commerce.

The rollout of 5G is still unclear as telecom companies wait for the government to give regulatory clearance and access to the spectrum of radio waves needed for the high-speed service.