Moti Yogev
Moti YogevFlash 90

The Knesset Subcommittee for Judea and Samaria Issues held a discussion today (Monday) about the ongoing problem of cellphone coverage in Judea and Samaria. Coverage in these regions is often found to be lacking or non-existent.

The Head of the Committee, MK Moti Yogev (Jewish Home) summarized the conclusions from the meeting: "cellphone coverage is a potentially life-saving need. Aside from the constant efforts of this Committee, almost nothing has been done in recent years to improve cellphone coverage in Judea and Samaria.

"In the meeting today, we announced the completion of work [on infrastructure for cellphone coverage] in specific areas only. We're talking about slow progress, much slower than the current gaps in coverage in over 40 locations demand. The gaps are still large and demand further pressure from [our] Committee and from officials in general.

In addition, while Yogev noted that some additional areas will "surely [...] merit coverage in another three months," the Committee agreed to seek a "three-year plan" for remaining areas, whereby areas will obtain coverage over the course of three years, with order of precedence given according to security need.

In addition, the Committee dealt with the subject of internet infrastructure, calling on the Communications Ministry to work with internet suppliers to ensure fast internet to residents of Judea and Samaria, just as other Israeli citizens have.