Telecommunications in Israel

Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל‎), officially the State of Israel, is a country in the Middle East on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea. It has land borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the Palestinian territories, and Egypt. The country also occupies the disputed territories of Golan Heights and East Jerusalem, with partial occupation of West Bank.

Mobile broadband penetration is increasing, and above the regional average. Mobile Network Operators continue to invest in 3G and 4G LTE networks with, according to latest ITU data (June 2018) 3G population coverage is almost complete at 99%. 4G coverage is not far behind with 82% of Israelis having access to LTE services, up from 70% the year before.

Region
Western Asia
Government Policy
Israel Ministry of Communications
ITU Region
Region-1
Spectrum Regulator
Israel Ministry of Communications
Israel world map

ITU Analysis

Incumbent operator Bezeq continues to dominate the Israeli telecommunication market, but is facing increasing competition. Penetration rates for fixed services are around the European average and the vibrant mobile sector continues to grow, driven by demand for high-speed mobile-broadband services.

Over recent decades, Israel has developed into a highly-connected society with a vibrant ICT market. NGA is increasing and an ever-growing number of Israelis are using the Internet. The Government is supporting growth in the sector and has adopted the “Digital Israel” initiative to prioritize the roll-out of NGA networks.

Israel 5G

Israel released a tender for the construction of a national 5G network, which included an auction for 5G spectrum in July 2019. The auction included spectrum in the 700 MHz FDD band (25 MHz), 2600 FDD band (60 MHz) and 3500 to 3800 TDD band (300 MHz).

The results of the tender are yet to be released.

Mobile Network Operators

Partner (פרטנר‎) is the second largest mobile network operating servicing Israel. The company was incorporated in September 2007 and began operations in 1999 as Orange Israel which Partner Communications Company Ltd used under licence until a rebranding in 2016.
3G: Active
4G: Active
Pelephone (פלאפון) is a mobile network operating servicing Israel. The company began operations in 1986, the first mobile network to operate in the region. Pelephone was formed a year earlier in 1985 as a joint venture between Motorola and Tadiran after the securing of a government contract to provide telephony services to the region.
3G: Active
4G: Active