Yoaz Handel (Flash 90 photo/ Noam Ravkin Fenton)
After purchasing an advanced inspection system for testing the coverage and reception throughout the country, Drive test, the Ministry of Communications began to operate an inspection vehicle that makes test trips throughout the country, and examines the coverage of cellular reception wherever it goes. Following the findings of the test trips, the Ministry of Communications initiated an inspection procedure against the violations by the cellular companies regarding cellular coverage and reception throughout the country.
The inspection procedure was conducted by the Inspection and Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Communications through a test drive of a car equipped with the Drive Test system that examined the extent of coverage and the quality of cellular reception on Route 40, the second longest in Israel (302 km), which connects Kfar Saba to the Ketura Junction in the Arava, and on Route 13 which connects between the Tzihor junction and the rest junction. The inspection reports sent today (Tuesday) to the cellular companies show an alleged violation of the coverage and cellular reception obligations, and according to them, on some of the inspected roads there is a lack of coverage and cellular service in 4th generation technology at a rate that apparently exceeds what is defined in the license.
It should be noted that the report of the Administration of Enforcement and Supervision in the Ministry of Communications found that all the companies did not provide 4th generation cellular coverage for more than 10% of the total length of the road and therefore, they do not meet the third milestone for the cellular coverage obligation, according to which the cellular companies must provide cellular coverage 4th generation technology on Israel’s roads at a level of 90%, and this has already started from August 2019. It should also be noted that by February 2023, the cellular companies will already be required to have cellular coverage of 95% of Israel’s roads with 4th generation technology.
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Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel: “We are stepping up and working against the violations of the cellular companies that do not provide coverage and cellular reception as they are required to do. Cellular reception is an existential and important need for every citizen wherever he is. We will not accept a situation where citizens suffer from problems and a lack of cellular reception Full cellular coverage throughout Israel is one of the main goals of the Ministry of Communications and we will not let up until we reach the goal.”
The inspection reports, signed by the director of technological inspection, Mr. Roni Khoury, were sent this morning to all the companies by the VP of Inspection and Enforcement at the Ministry of Communications, Aya Ben Porat. At the end of the inspection procedure and if it is found that the companies were found to be in violation, heavy fines will be imposed on them. The Ministry of Communications will continue the supervision and enforcement activities in order to make sure that the cellular companies provide service as required by the provisions of the law. Deputy Director of Supervision and Enforcement at the Ministry of Communications, Aya Yanai Ben-Forat said that “Cellular reception is an essential need in every locality and on every road throughout the country. The Ministry of Communications will continue the supervision and enforcement activities in order to verify that the cellular companies provide service as required by the license provisions. At the same time, we are examining the use of additional enforcement tools in the field.”
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