Anyone who lives in a yishuv ion Yehuda and Shomron is aware of the worrisome lack of cellular telephone coverage. This is partly due to the mountainous topography in many areas accompanied by the minimal presence of antennas. Residents have complained for many years, not just because of the lack of convenience but more importantly, for security. Often a motorist will break down or chas v’sholom find himself in need of assistance but there is no cell reception in the area.

A Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee Subcommittee on Civilian and Security matters in the past two years has conducted sessions to address this very issue. The subcommittee, which is headed by MK (Bayit Yehudi) Moti Yogev) met with representatives of the cellular service providers to discuss the options available. Also involved in the consultations were officials of the IDF Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Office, legal experts and other professionals.

The committee presented a plan to provide all-encompassing cellular coverage throughout Yehuda and Shomron. Work is expected to begin in most areas by the end of 2016 towards providing significantly expanded cellular coverage. Delays are due to the need to receive permits from the IDF and other authorities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)