The History of Cellular Providers in Israel - How It All Began
The cellular market in Israel has undergone a dramatic revolution since the early 1990s. What started as a monopoly of one company has turned into a competitive market with a variety of providers competing for the consumers' favor. Let's dive into the fascinating history of cellular providers in Israel.
📱 Pelephone Communications – The Pioneer
Year of Establishment: 1986
Owned by: Bezeq (50%) and Motorola (at establishment)
Key Facts:
- The first provider to offer cellular service in Israel (1986).
- Initially used AMPS technology (analog), later switching to CDMA, then to UMTS and LTE.
- In 2014, switched to GSM+ network.
📱 Cellcom
Year of Establishment: 1994
Currently Owned by: Discount Investment Corporation (IDB)
Key Facts:
- Initially operated on TDMA technology, later switched to GSM and UMTS.
- Was the first to offer discounted packages (1997).
- Suffered from reception issues in its early years, but later strengthened.
📱 Partner Communications (Brand: Orange and then Partner)
Year of Establishment: 1999
International Brand: Orange (until 2016), then Partner
Key Facts:
- Operated from the outset on GSM network.
- Concurrently offered high-speed internet services – EDGE, 3G, LTE, and 5G.
- Led in value-added services such as mobile content and television.
📱 Golan Telecom
Year of Establishment: 2012
Entrepreneur: Michael Golan
Acquired by: Cellcom (2020)
Key Facts:
- Caused a price revolution (99 ILS for an unlimited package).
- Led to significant price reductions across the market.
- Operated on Cellcom's infrastructure.
📱 HOT Mobile
Year of Establishment: 2012
Previously: Mirs Communications (1994–2012)
Owned by: HOT Group
Key Facts:
- Initially operated as an iDEN network with PTT services (like a walkie-talkie).
- Later switched to UMTS and LTE networks.
- Offers integrated services with television and internet from HOT.
📱 012 Mobile
Year of Establishment: 2011
Sub-brand of: 012 Smile (now part of Partner)
Key Facts:
- Offers cellular services on Partner's infrastructure.
- Considered an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator).
📱 019 Mobile
Year of Establishment: 2011
Type: MVNO
Operates on: Pelephone network
Key Facts:
- Started as a provider of international calling services.
- Also transitioned to local cellular services.
- Offers unique services for the ultra-Orthodox sector and soldiers.
📱 Rami Levy Communications
Year of Establishment: 2011
Type: MVNO
Operates on: Pelephone network
Key Facts:
- Was the first to operate as an MVNO in Israel.
- Combined cellular services with a supermarket customer club.
- Offered especially cheap packages.
📱 Sky Call Communications
Year of Establishment: 2014
Type: MVNO
Operates on: Pelephone network
Key Facts:
- Mainly serves the Russian-speaking community.
- Offers cellular packages with international calls.
✨ Comparison by Years:
| Provider | Start Year | Type | Main Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelephone | 1986 | Independent | AMPS → CDMA → UMTS → LTE |
| Cellcom | 1994 | Independent | TDMA → GSM → UMTS |
| Partner | 1999 | Independent | GSM → UMTS → LTE |
| Mirs/HOT Mobile | 1994/2012 | Independent | iDEN → UMTS |
| Golan Telecom | 2012 | Shared | Cellcom |
| 012 Mobile | 2011 | MVNO | Partner |
| 019 Mobile | 2011 | MVNO | Pelephone |
| Rami Levy | 2011 | MVNO | Pelephone |
| Sky Call | 2014 | MVNO | Pelephone |
Summary - How the Market Evolved
The cellular market in Israel has undergone a dramatic revolution since the early 1990s. What started as a monopoly of one company, has turned into a competitive market with a variety of providers competing for the consumers' favor.
Market Impacts:
- Significant reduction in prices
- Improvement in service quality
- Addition of new and advanced services
- Improvements in technology and infrastructure
The Future: The cellular market in Israel continues to evolve with new technologies like 5G, IoT services, and advanced digital services. Providers continue to compete and offer new and advanced services to consumers.
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