Israel has approved the rollout of fourth-generation (4G) mobile services for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, a move that could significantly improve internet speeds after years of technological lag, the Israeli Communications Ministry said on Tuesday.
The decision clears the way for the territory’s two Palestinian mobile operators—Jawwal and Ooredoo—to begin upgrading their networks under newly approved management agreements involving Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson, according to the ministry.
Palestinian providers introduced third-generation (3G) mobile data services in the West Bank in 2018, following years of restrictions that prevented them from operating advanced networks. The upgrade narrowed—but did not eliminate—the gap with Israeli mobile operators, which already offer faster fourth- and fifth-generation services.
The latest approval stems from a framework agreement reached in 2022 between Israel and the Palestinian Authority that envisioned the gradual introduction of 4G and 5G technologies in Palestinian areas. Israeli media reported that implementation was delayed by the war in Gaza and related security concerns.
According to those reports, the transition to full 4G coverage in the West Bank could take up to six months.
Palestinian mobile operators compete directly with Israeli telecom firms, which operate across the West Bank using higher-capacity 5G frequencies that deliver significantly faster speeds.
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At the same time, Israel is in the process of phasing out older 2G and 3G networks nationwide and has advised consumers to switch to devices compatible with 4G and 5G services.
The approval applies only to the West Bank. In Gaza, telecommunications infrastructure has been severely damaged, and mobile users currently rely on basic 2G networks, according to industry officials and international agencies.
The Israeli Communications Ministry said the 4G rollout is intended to modernize Palestinian communications infrastructure while aligning it with broader regional telecom standards.
