The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2024 Southeast Asia
Telecommunication systems Laos, in 35 editions.
The entry for Laos published Telecommunication systems in 35 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2024. The text changed in 29 editions. Each is shown as published. Telecommunication systems in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 29
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2024
Published as “Telecommunications” (1990 to 1994), “Telephone system” (1995 to 2019) and “Telecommunication systems” (2020 to 2024).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2024 edition
Same as 2023The same text in 1990 and 1991.
Published as “Telecommunications”
- service to general public considered poor;
- radio network provides generally erratic service to government users;
- 7,390 telephones (1986);
- stations--10 AM, no FM, 1 TV;
- 1 satellite earth station
service to general public considered poor; radio network provides generally erratic service to government users; 7,390 telephones (1986); stations--10 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite earth station
Published as “Telecommunications”
- service to general public considered poor;
- radio communications network provides generally erratic service to government users;
- 7,390 telephones (1986);
- broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 1 TV;
- 1 satellite earth station
service to general public considered poor; radio communications network
provides generally erratic service to government users; 7,390 telephones
(1986); stations--10 broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite earth station
Published as “Telecommunications”
- service to general public practically non-existant;
- radio communications network provides generally erratic service to government users;
- 7,390 telephones (1986);
- broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 1 TV;
- 1 satellite earth station
service to general public considered poor; practically non-existant; radio communications network
network provides generally erratic service to government users; 7,390 telephones
telephones (1986); broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite
earth station
Published as “Telecommunications”
- service to general public practically non-existant;
- radio communications network provides generally erratic service to government users;
- 7,390 telephones (1986);
- broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 1 TV;
- 1 satellite earth station
service to general public practically non-existant; radio communications
communications network provides generally erratic service to
government users; 7,390
no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite
Published as “Telephone system”
- 7,390 telephones (1986);
- service to general public very poor;
- radio communications network provides generally erratic service to government users
- local:
- 16 telephone lines per 1,000 people
- intercity:
- radio communications
- international:
- 1 earth station
7,390 telephones (1986); service to general public practically non-existant; radio
very poor; radio communications network provides generally erratic
service tousers; 7,390 telephones (1986); broadcast stations - 10 AM, usersno FM, 1 TV; local: 16 telephone lines per 1,000 people
intercity: radio communications
international: 1 satellite earth station
Published as “Telephone system”
service to general public very poor; radiotelephone communications network provides generally erratic service to government users
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region)
7,390 telephones (1986); service to general publicradio
radiotelephone communications network provides generally erratic
service to government userslocal: 16 telephone lines per 1,000 people domestic: radiotelephone communications
intercity: radio
international: 1 satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian
Ocean Region)
Published as “Telephone system”
service to general public very poor; radiotelephone communications network provides generally erratic service to government users
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region)
service to general public very poor;
communications network provides generally erratic
government users
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian
Region)
Published as “Telephone system”
- service to general public is poor but improving, with over 19,000 telephones currently in service and 86,000 expected to be installed by 2000;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- satellite earth station-1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region)
service to general public very poor; radiotelephone is poor but improving,communications network provides generally erratic with over 19,000 telephones currently in service to and 86,000 expected
to be installed by 2000; the government users relies on a radiotelephone
network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: satellite earth station - 1 station-1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean
Region)
Published as “Telephone system”
- service to general public is poor but improving, with over 28,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- satellite earth station--1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region)
service to general public is poor but improving,
improving, with over 19,000 28,000 telephones currently in service and 86,000 expected anto be installed additional 48,000 expected by 2000; 2001; the government relies on a radiotelephone
radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: satellite earth station-1 station--1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean
Region)
Published as “Telephone system”
- service to general public is poor but improving, with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
service to general public is poor but28,000 20,000 telephones currently in service and an
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: satellite earth station--1 station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean
Region)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving, with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas domestic: radiotelephone communications international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving, with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving, with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving, with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving, improving with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
The same text in 2004 and 2005.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- radiotelephone communications
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving with over 20,000 telephones currently in service and an additional 48,000 expected by 2001; improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: radiotelephone communications
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- multiple service providers; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership about 10 per 100 persons
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: radiotelephone communications multiple service providers; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership about 10 per 100 persons
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- multiple service providers;
- mobile cellular usage growing rapidly;
- combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership about 25 per 100 persons
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2007)
general assessment: service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership about 10 25 per 100 persons
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2007)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- multiple service providers;
- mobile cellular usage growing rapidly;
- combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership approaching 30 per 100 persons
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2008)
general assessment:
service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic:
multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership about 25 approaching 30 per 100 persons
international:
country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2007) (2008)
The same text in 2010 and 2011.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2008)
general assessment:
service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic:
multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership approaching 30 per 100 persons very rapidly
international:
country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2008)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2008)
general assessment:
service to general public is poor but improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic:
multiple service providers; mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
international:
country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2008)
The same text in 2013 and 2014.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- 4 service providers with mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2012)
general assessment:
service to general public is improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic:multiple 4 service providers; providers with mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
international:
country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2008) (2012)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to general public is improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- 4 service providers with mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2012)
general assessment:
domestic:
international:
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to public is generally improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- mobile cellular usage has slowed as the regulator imposed a strict policy on pricing and competition is effectively discouraged;
- network performance has suffered because of insufficient maintenance and upgrades
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2015)
general assessment: service to general public is generally improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: 4 service providers with mobile cellular usage growing very rapidly has slowed as the regulator imposed a strict policy on pricing and competition is effectively discouraged; network performance has suffered because of insufficient maintenance and upgrades
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2012) (2015)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to public is generally improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
- domestic:
- mobile cellular network coverage including 3G is relatively widespread, although usage has slowed as the regulator imposed a strict policy on pricing and competition is effectively discouraged;
- network performance has suffered because of insufficient maintenance and upgrades
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2017)
general assessment: service to public is generally improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas
domestic: mobile cellular network coverage including 3G is relatively widespread, although usage has slowed as the regulator imposed a strict policy on pricing and competition is effectively discouraged; network performance has suffered because of insufficient maintenance and upgrades
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2015) (2017)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to public is generally improving;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas;
- regulatory reform below industry standards;
- low fixed-broadband penetration due to dominance of mobile platforms;
- strong boost in mobile broadband penetration but still low compared to other Asian markets;
- development of mobile broadband internet services given the expansion of 4G services (2017)
- domestic:
- fixed-line 16 per 100 and 52 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2017)
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2017)
general assessment: service to public is generally improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas areas; regulatory reform below industry standards; low fixed-broadband penetration due to dominance of mobile
domestic:cellular network coverage including 3G is relatively widespread, although usage has slowed as platforms; strong boost in mobile broadband penetration but still low compared to other Asian markets; development of mobile broadband internet services given the regulator imposed a strict policy on pricing and competition is effectively discouraged; network performance has suffered because expansion of insufficient maintenance 4G services (2017)
domestic: fixed-line 16 per 100 and upgrades 52 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2017)
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2017)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- service to public is generally improving;
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas;
- regulatory reform below industry standards;
- low fixed-broadband penetration due to dominance of mobile platforms;
- strong boost in mobile broadband penetration but still low compared to other Asian markets;
- development of mobile broadband Internet services given the expansion of 4G services (2018)
- domestic:
- fixed-line 16 per 100 and 52 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2018)
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
general assessment: service to public is generally improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas; regulatory reform below industry standards; low fixed-broadband penetration due to dominance of mobile platforms; strong boost in mobile broadband penetration but still low compared to other Asian markets; development of mobile broadband internet Internet services given the expansion of 4G services (2017) (2018)
domestic: fixed-line 16 per 100 and 52 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2017) (2018)
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China (2017)
- general assessment:
- the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas;
- the regulatory reform is below industry standards but is trying to strengthen its telecommunication infrastructure and subsequently attract foreign investment;
- low fixed-broadband penetration due to dominance of mobile platforms;
- strong boost in mobile broadband penetration but still low compared to other Asian markets;
- mobile sector growth held back by regulators trying to keep hold on pricing and open competition;
- development of mobile broadband Internet services given the expansion of 4G services (2020)
- domestic:
- fixed-line 21 per 100 and 61 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2019)
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
general assessment: service to public is generally improving; the government relies on a radiotelephone network to communicate with remote areas; the regulatory reform is below industry standards; standards but is trying to strengthen its telecommunication infrastructure and subsequently attract foreign investment; low fixed-broadband penetration due to dominance of mobile platforms; strong boost in mobile broadband penetration but still low compared to other Asian markets; mobile sector growth held back by regulators trying to keep hold on pricing and open competition; development of mobile broadband Internet services given the expansion of 4G services (2018) (2020)
domestic: fixed-line 16 21 per 100 and 52 61 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2018) (2019)
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
- general assessment:
- reliance on radio network to communicate with remote areas;
- regulatory reform is below industry standards;
- government aims to strengthen infrastructure and attract foreign investment;
- low fixed-broadband penetration;
- dominance in mobile broadband with 4G and LTE, but low compared to other Asian markets;
- ASEAN Digital Hub investment provides international capacity;
- state owns almost all media, except for some entertainment outlets, and has suppressed some news;
- importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China;
- providers examining m-payment platforms and 5G tests (2020)
- domestic:
- fixed-line 21 per 100 and 61 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2019)
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
general assessment: the government relies reliance on a radiotelephone radio network to communicate with remote areas; the regulatory reform is below industry standards but is trying standards; government aims to strengthen its telecommunication infrastructure and subsequently attract foreign investment; low fixed-broadband penetration due to penetration; dominance of mobile platforms; strong boost in mobile broadband penetration with 4G and LTE, but still low compared to other Asian markets; mobile sector growth held back by regulators trying to keep hold on pricing ASEAN Digital Hub investment provides international capacity; state owns almost all media, except for some entertainment outlets, and open competition; development of mobile broadband Internet services given the expansion has suppressed some news; importer of 4G services broadcasting equipment and computers from China; providers examining m-payment platforms and 5G tests (2020)
domestic: fixed-line 21 per 100 and 61 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2019)
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect consequent restriction on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable services as a tool for work and satellite - has moderated school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
- general assessment:
- Laos joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2013;
- one of the conditions of admittance was to establish an independent regulator for its telecom sector within two years;
- the government had committed to do so by February 2015 as part of the accession agreement;
- there still has been no sign of any firm plans being made to create an independent regulatory body;
- the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) retains the primary role in regulating the country’s telecom market;
- with the government also having a financial stake (in part or in whole) in every one of the major fixed-line and mobile operators, the MPT’s position and decision-making is far from what could be considered independent;
- sufficient returns on investment cannot be guaranteed with such strict pricing controls as well as the potential for political interference;
- fixed-line and mobile penetration levels have, as a result, remained much lower than what’s seen in neighboring South East Asian markets;
- there are signs of growth in the mobile broadband segment as LTE network coverage slowly widens and, more recently, the country’s first 5G services start to come on stream;
- residents in the capital will at least be able to enjoy high-speed services in the near future, while the rest of the country waits patiently to catch up with the rest of the world. (2022)
- domestic:
- fixed-line nearly 20 per 100 and 56 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020)
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Rewritten: too little of the 2021 text remains to mark the changes.
general assessment: Laos joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2013; one of the conditions of admittance was to establish an independent regulator for its telecom sector within two years; the government had committed to do so by February 2015 as part of the accession agreement; there still has been no sign of any firm plans being made to create an independent regulatory body; the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) retains the primary role in regulating the country’s telecom market; with the government also having a financial stake (in part or in whole) in every one of the major fixed-line and mobile operators, the MPT’s position and decision-making is far from what could be considered independent; sufficient returns on investment cannot be guaranteed with such strict pricing controls as well as the potential for political interference; fixed-line and mobile penetration levels have, as a result, remained much lower than what’s seen in neighboring South East Asian markets; there are signs of growth in the mobile broadband segment as LTE network coverage slowly widens and, more recently, the country’s first 5G services start to come on stream; residents in the capital will at least be able to enjoy high-speed services in the near future, while the rest of the country waits patiently to catch up with the rest of the world. (2022)
domestic: fixed-line nearly 20 per 100 and 56 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020)
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
The same text in 2023 and 2024.
- general assessment:
- Laos joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2013;
- one of the conditions of admittance was to establish an independent regulator for its telecom sector within two years;
- the government had committed to do so by February 2015 as part of the accession agreement;
- there still has been no sign of any firm plans being made to create an independent regulatory body;
- the Ministry of Technology and Communications retains the primary role in regulating the country’s telecom market;
- with the government also having a financial stake (in part or in whole) in every one of the major fixed-line and mobile operators, the MPT’s position and decision-making is far from what could be considered independent;
- sufficient returns on investment cannot be guaranteed with such strict pricing controls as well as the potential for political interference;
- fixed-line and mobile penetration levels have, as a result, remained much lower than what’s seen in neighboring South East Asian markets;
- there are signs of growth in the mobile broadband segment as LTE network coverage slowly widens and, more recently, the country’s first 5G services start to come on stream;
- residents in the capital will at least be able to enjoy high-speed services in the near future, while the rest of the country waits patiently to catch up with the rest of the world. (2022)
- domestic:
- fixed-line nearly 18 per 100 and 65 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2021)
- international:
- country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
general assessment: Laos joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2013; one of the conditions of admittance was to establish an independent regulator for its telecom sector within two years; the government had committed to do so by February 2015 as part of the accession agreement; there still has been no sign of any firm plans being made to create an independent regulatory body; the Ministry of Posts Technology and Telecommunications (MPT) Communications retains the primary role in regulating the country’s telecom market; with the government also having a financial stake (in part or in whole) in every one of the major fixed-line and mobile operators, the MPT’s position and decision-making is far from what could be considered independent; sufficient returns on investment cannot be guaranteed with such strict pricing controls as well as the potential for political interference; fixed-line and mobile penetration levels have, as a result, remained much lower than what’s seen in neighboring South East Asian markets; there are signs of growth in the mobile broadband segment as LTE network coverage slowly widens and, more recently, the country’s first 5G services start to come on stream; residents in the capital will at least be able to enjoy high-speed services in the near future, while the rest of the country waits patiently to catch up with the rest of the world. (2022)
domestic: fixed-line nearly 20 18 per 100 and 56 65 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) (2021)
international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “Laos: Telecommunication systems.” The World Factbook, 1990–2024 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/laos/telecommunication-systems.