Wed Sep 25 09:53:51 UTC 2024: ## Israel Opens Up Cellular Infrastructure Market to Boost Competition and 5G Deployment

The Israeli Ministry of Communications announced on Tuesday a groundbreaking decision to allow new players into the cellular infrastructure market. This move, subject to a public hearing, is aimed at increasing competition and accelerating the rollout of 5G networks across the country.

Currently, Israel’s cellular market is dominated by three major players: Pelephone, Cellcom & Wecom, and Partner & Hot Mobile. These companies own and operate their own infrastructure. However, the Ministry’s new policy will enable other entities, including electric companies, capital funds, and similar bodies, to operate radio equipment supporting 5G for public networks of one or more cell companies.

These new entrants will be able to utilize frequencies currently allocated to existing cell companies, providing up to 40% of the capacity of each network. “We anticipate that this move will lead to new investment in infrastructure,” said Communications Ministry Director-General Inbal Mashash. “This will bring new players into the area that will lead to speeding up the spread of 5G networks around the country and improving the coverage and reception of cell networks around the country.”

While the Ministry anticipates positive outcomes, the workers’ union of Pelephone has voiced strong objections to the plan. The union claims that this decision primarily benefits financiers and will negatively impact competition, communication quality, and national security.

“It is sad that the Communications Ministry is operating in such a mistaken way, and instead of solving the infrastructure problems in the state in a thorough and professional manner, is choosing to create another false solution,” the union stated.

The Ministry’s decision will now undergo a public hearing before being implemented. This move could significantly reshape the Israeli cellular landscape, increasing competition, potentially lowering costs for consumers, and leading to a faster and broader rollout of 5G services.

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