JERUSALEM, Jan 6 (Reuters) – Israel has approved an upgrade to fourth-generation (4G) mobile services for Palestinians in the West Bank, the Israeli Communications Ministry said on Tuesday.
The ministry said the two Palestinian mobile operators – Jawwal and Ooredoo – and Swedish infrastructure firm Ericsson signed management agreements that were approved by Israel on Sunday.
Palestinian cellular providers launched high-speed data services in the occupied West Bank based on 3G in 2018, narrowing a technological gap with Israel after a lengthy Israeli ban on the operation of local 3G networks.
The ministry said its approval came as part of a 2022 framework deal between Israel and the Palestinian Authority aimed at allowing 4G and 5G cellular technologies. The agreement was delayed by the Gaza war, according to Israeli media, which also said the process to upgrade to 4G would take up to six months.
The Palestinian providers compete with Israeli cellular firms, which operate faster on much faster 5G mobile frequencies.
Israel is in the process of shutting down older 2G and 3G technologies and has advised the public to equip themselves with devices that support 4G and 5G.
In Gaza, however, only 2G networks are available.
(Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Susan Fenton)
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