Israel authorizes enhancement of 4G mobile services for Palestinians in the West Bank.

– The Israeli Communications Ministry said on Tuesday that Israel has authorized an enhancement to fourth-generation (4G) mobile services for Palestinians in the West Bank.

The ministry announced that the two Palestinian mobile operators, Jawwal and Ooredoo, along with the Swedish infrastructure company Ericsson, entered into management agreements that received approval from Israel on Sunday.

In 2018, Palestinian cellular companies initiated high-speed data services with 3G technology in the occupied West Bank, therefore reducing the technological disparity with Israel following an extended Israeli prohibition on local 3G network operations.

The ministry stated that its endorsement was part of a 2022 framework agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, intended to facilitate 4G and 5G cellular technologies. Israeli media said that the Gaza war postponed the deal and indicated that the transition to 4G might require up to six months.

Palestinian operators compete with Israeli cellular companies that operate on significantly faster 5G mobile frequencies.

Israel is in the process of decommissioning obsolete 2G and 3G technologies and has recommended that the public acquire equipment compatible with 4G and 5G.