Israeli mobile operators Cellcom and Golan Telecom are seeking to convince the Ministry of Communications (MoC) that their agreed network JV should be approved, reports Globes. This comes after last week’s decision to approve a similar deal between…
Israeli mobile operators Cellcom and Golan Telecom are seeking to convince the Ministry of Communications (MoC) that their agreed network JV should be approved, reports Globes. This comes after last week’s decision to approve a similar deal between rivals Hot Mobile and Partner Communications after one year.
The MoC has previously rejected such a deal, owing to Golan Telecom’s much smaller size, meaning that it would have to purchase services from Cellcom.
The groups argue that their agreed JV, which would be owned 50:50, is similar to that of Hot and Partner.
Some reportedly believe, however, that Golan Telecom will wait until the government appoints a new minister of communications.
Cellcom and Golan Telecom were not available for comment by press time.
An industry executive explained to TelecomFinance that the network deals are seen as a precursor to M&A, since the MoC is expected to soften its stance on competition – following the lead of European Commission decisions to allow in-market consolidation.
