Israel to require fixed infrastructure provider to offer wholesale services

Moshe Kahlon, the Israeli minister of communications, has reportedly confirmed that the government will adopt recommendations made by the Hayek Committee requiring the country’s fixed line infrastructure owners to open access to their respective networks. Globes Online reports that the new legislation will require both Bezeq and HOT Telecommunication Systems to allow alternative operators to utilise their networks to offer a full suite of services, including internet infrastructure and pay-TV. In confirming the plans, the Ministry of Communications (MoC) is also understood to have said that it will allow market forces to decide the pricing agreements for wholesale access, similar to the manner in which mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) agreements are currently reached. Should operators fail to reach a deal over prices, the MoC will retain the power to intervene and set the charges itself.