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The Israeli Ministry of Communications has fined several leading mobile phone companies NIS 5.1 million for failing to comply with coverage quality standards. This was reported by Vesty on Tuesday, 15 October. The initial fine amounted to NIS 8.7 million, but was reduced after the problems were partially fixed. However, the main violations remained.
Fined companies and reasons for the fines
The fines were imposed on Pelephone, Partner, Hot Mobile and Cellcom for failing to provide adequate coverage in certain settlements and on intercity roads. Under the terms of their licences, the operators are required to provide coverage of at least 95% of the territory of any settlement or road. The identified deficiencies violate these requirements, which led to the sanctions.
This is the first time in Israel’s history that mobile operators have been fined for failing to meet these standards. Previously, the main reason for avoiding fines was that coverage quality was difficult to assess over time in the same area. This time, the decision to fine was based on the operators’ self-reports, where they admitted to coverage deficiencies over the past year.
Coating problems
The Ministry of Communications has identified problems with the quality of mobile coverage in the following settlements: Yotwata, Tzofar, Majdal Shams, Drijat, Dorot, Akhitov, Hatzerim, Kaukab abu al-Hijjah and Shoshanat ha-Amakim. Problems were also reported on several major intercity roads, including roads 10, 227, 171 and 999.
Reducing the fine: how companies have remedied the situation
Initially, the fine reached NIS 8.7 million, but during 2024, mobile operators took a number of measures to improve the quality of communication, which reduced the fine to NIS 5.1 million. However, the Ministry strongly recommends that the companies continue to comply with the established regulations and licensing requirements to avoid further sanctions.
Wecom avoids a fine
The fourth operator, Wecom, was not fined as the quality of its services met the Ministry’s requirements during the inspection. The company has demonstrated consistently high coverage and service levels.
The fines are a sign of increased supervision of mobile operators and their obligation to ensure the proper quality of service. This situation should serve as a lesson for all mobile operators in Israel, who must strictly comply with the terms of their licences and avoid any deterioration in the quality of customer service.
