Regulator seeks to resolve Smart, qb dispute

The Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) is seeking to settle a dispute between mobile operators Smart Axiata and Cambodia Advance Communications (CadComms, operating under the brand qb) out of court, The Cambodia Daily quotes TRC member Auk Dorany as saying. The regulator has sent a letter to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Cambodia (MPTC) stating its intention to facilitate negotiations between the two companies. Last month qb accused Malaysian-owned Smart Axiata of damaging its reputation and financial interests, after the pair agreed to end a long-standing agreement that allowed qb customers to roam on Smart’s network. Prior to the termination of the agreement, qb began receiving calls from customers stating that Smart was contacting them to switch to its own network. Smart was then ordered to cut off contact with qb customers, and to cease advertising aimed at persuading subscribers to move away from the cellco. ‘We do not want to solve this in the courts,’ said Mr Dorany said, adding: ‘The letter to MPTC informs the minister that we will invite both companies to talk.’ Meanwhile, qb’s CEO Alan Sinfield said that the company will be open to talks if Smart is willing to pay for damages: ‘If the regulator has taken the initiative and if Smart is willing to make restitution in terms of financial damages, then we are willing to discuss that, but if not, then we will seek damages through the court.’