Smart Axiata opened its commercial 4G LTE network in the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Jan 22, 2014, LteWorld reported on Friday, with its LTE network now available in six zones -- the Naga World Hotel & Casino, Sovanna Shopping Center, Ratana Plaza Shopping Mall, De Castle Toul Kork, Phnom Penh International Airport, and Smart Store Beung Trabek.

By March 2014, the operator will extend the service to additional zones and various locations, such as the Sorya Shopping Center, Phnom Penh Tower, Vathanak Tower, and Siem Reap International Airport. By the end of the second quarter, LTE will be available across the city.

To use the new network, Smart customers will need a 4G-LTE-capable device and SIM card and join a 4G-LTE monthly plan at $5 per month. The plan comes with 1GB of data free per month and when that is exceeded, all Smart internet offers such as Smart Xchange and SurfLikeCrazy or pay as use with the standard internet rate of 500KB/cent can be used for surfing at LTE speed. Subscribers can get LTE service by replacing their original SIM card with an LTE-ready SIM card at any Smart Shop in Phnom Penh, without having to sign a new contract since the Combo 48, 58, and 68 plans are LTE enabled at no extra cost.