Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Israel Approves 4G Upgrade for Palestinians in West Bank
Israel has given permission for Palestinians in the West Bank to upgrade their mobile services to 4G.
This is part of a deal made in 2022 to allow faster internet technologies.
Two Palestinian companies, Jawwal and Ooredoo, along with a Swedish company called Ericsson, have agreed to manage this upgrade.
It will take about six months to complete.
In Gaza, people can only use much slower 2G networks.
Israel is also moving away from older 2G and 3G technologies and encouraging people to use 4G and 5G devices.
Israel approved 4G mobile services for Palestinians in the West Bank on January 6, 2024.
The approval is part of a 2022 framework deal between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Palestinian mobile operators Jawwal and Ooredoo, along with Swedish firm Ericsson, signed management agreements.
The upgrade process is expected to take up to six months.
In Gaza, only 2G networks are currently available, while Israeli cellular firms operate on faster 5G networks.
- Who
- Palestinian mobile operators Jawwal and Ooredoo, Israeli Communications Ministry, Swedish infrastructure firm Ericsson
- What
- Approval of 4G mobile services for Palestinians in the West Bank
- When
- January 6, 2024 (approval), 2022 (framework deal)
- Where
- West Bank, Gaza
- Why
- Part of a 2022 framework deal to allow 4G and 5G cellular technologies
- Palestinian Providers
- Jawwal, Ooredoo
- Infrastructure Firm
- Ericsson
- Approval Date
- January 6, 2024
- Framework Deal Year
- 2022
- Upgrade Duration
- Up to 6 months
- Current Gaza Networks
- 2G
- Israeli Network Technology
- 5G