Israel/Palestinian Territories: Mobile data available in West Bank from February

Event

Mobile data services will be available in the West Bank from February 2018 after Israel lifted a decade-long ban on January 15. Palestinian phone companies are now allowed to use assigned frequencies and import the necessary equipment to provide high-speed mobile data services in the West Bank. The ban will remain in effect in the Gaza Strip.

Context

Israel had banned Palestinian phone companies from provide mobile data services on the basis that it represented a threat to Israel’s security, e.g. by facilitating the organization of gatherings and enabling Palestinians to communicate clandestinely. The international community, including the US, has been putting pressure on Israel to lift some of the barriers preventing the economic development of Palestine.