Israeli mobile operator Golan telecom has reportedly had its newly issued 3G licence suspended until a hearing on rival bidder Marathon’s appeal takes place on Friday.
The Jerusalem District Court ruled on 14 August that the country’s tenders…
Israeli mobile operator Golan telecom has reportedly had its newly issued 3G licence suspended until a hearing on rival bidder Marathon’s appeal takes place on Friday.
The Jerusalem District Court ruled on 14 August that the country’s tenders committee did not properly discuss Golan’s bid or its significance, according to reports citing Judge Noam Sohlberg.
Xfone 018, Marathon’s Israeli ISP, originally won an auction for the 3G licence back in April, along with local cellco Mirs Communications. However, Marathon was unable to secure bank guarantees for the ILS 710 (US$210m) it needed to fulfil its obligations.
This licence was then passed to the next highest bidder, Select Communications, which was consequently also unable to stump up its deposit.
Golan was the next in line for a chance to win 3G, and successfully paid its ILS 360m (US$105m) deposit in July.
However, reports suggest Marathon won an appeal against Golan’s win in the tender, on the grounds that, following Select’s disqualification, Xfone should have been given a second chance.
Marathon and Golan were unable to comment before the press deadline.
The other three mobile operators in Israel are Cellcom, Pelephone and Partner Communications.
