Israel to install cell towers on thousands of government buildings, improving coverage and reception

Israel is rolling out a tender for the deployment of cellular antenna masts on the roofs of thousands of government buildings throughout the country to improve cellular coverage and reception, increase competition, and reduce prices.

In a joint statement, the Finance Ministry and Communications Ministry announce that thousands of government offices, police stations, fire stations, and other public properties will become new cellular reception points.

“For years, the cellular communication market suffered from the lack of available areas to erect antennas, which led to problematic reception and high prices,” says Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi. “The accessibility of thousands of government properties to erect antennas at a fixed and low price will lead to real competition, increase cellular deployment all over the country, reduce the gaps between the center and the periphery, and lower prices for the public.”

The move will allow all communication and cellular companies to set up antennas at a significantly lower cost than market prices of NIS 1,750 per month for each property, according to the joint statement. It will lead to significant improvement in cellular reception, particularly in the periphery, as well as fewer dropped calls, more stable reception, and faster internet, the ministries say.