Telecom Services in Israel: Internet Broadcasting Satellites

Internet
Four major and about 60 smaller, Internet service providers serve more than 2 million users. Wireless Internet was introduced by cellular phone companies during 2001. According to Israeli ministry of communications, Over 20 percent of households, 40 percent of adults and 60 percent of businesses in Israel use the Internet. Bezeq began to offer ADSL services in 2000, and cable companies began providing broadband cable modem access this year. There are over 82,000 ADSL connections and over 12,000 cable modems installed.

Broadcasting
Israel also has an exciting broadcasting industry. Multi-channel subscriber TV market comprises three cable television operators, as well as a single direct broadcasting satellite (DBS) operator. The three cable companies held a geographic monopoly until the July 2001 amendment to the Telecommunications Law, which opened the multi-channel subscriber television market to full competition, and separated content (broadcasting) from transport (telecommunications). In another development in 2001, cable operators introduced the digital transmission technology, which uses

HFC networks instead of coaxial distribution systems and provides digital subscribers a whole new dimension of interactivity. Cable TV home-pass extends to over 95 percent of households, and about 73 percent of all households subscribe to it. There are 11 public national AM/FM radio stations and 14 commercial local FM radio stations, licensed by public tender.

Satellites
The Amos-I geostationary satellite, located at 4 degrees West, uses seven Ku-band transponders, primarily for direct-to-home television broadcasting, TV distribution and VSAT services for customers in the Middle East and in Central Europe. A second satellite, the Gurwin-II TechSAT provides communications, remote sensing and research services.

Spacecom Ltd plans to launch Amos-2 in 2002, and it will be co-located with Amos-1. Amos-2 will provide services via 11 Ku-band transponders.