International calls carrier 018 Xfone Communications Ltd. owner Hezi Bezalel is keeping his promise to enter the cellular market. He applied to the Ministry of Communications for a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) license today.
When Bezalel acquired 018 Xfone, through Marathon Telecom Ltd., he said that he planned to enter the cellular market; today he took the first step.
Bezalel made his fortune in Asia and Africa before returning to Israel and seeking investments in communications. He bid for Mirs Communications Ltd. and was a serious contender, reaching the final stage, which was won by HOT Telecommunication Systems Ltd. (TASE: HOT) controlling shareholder Patrick Drahi.
018 Xfone joined the list of MVNO license applicants. Both the companies that have already received a license, and the companies still waiting for one, are waiting for the Ministry of Communications to announce the tariff that will underpin negotiations between the MVNOs and the mobile carriers. The mobile carriers are blocking negotiations and refusing to allow the MVNOs to use their networks in competition against them.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 25, 2010
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2010