The Palestinian Territories, comprising the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, present very distinct challenges for technologies and telecommunications. The region’s topography is diverse, with coastal plains, highlands, and desert areas, influencing the distribution of its population of roughly five million. Population centres are unevenly dispersed, with high concentrations in areas like Gaza City, Hebron, and Nablus. Infrastructure development has been hampered by political instability and conflict. Solar energy projects, particularly in the West Bank, have emerged as a promising renewable energy source, while in the telecommunications sector, mobile penetration exceeds 100% due to multiple subscriptions, but broadband access lags behind.
Restrictive measures have significantly affected the development of the Palestinian telecommunications. These include the Israeli restrictions on the import of equipment for telecom and ICT companies, the inability to operate in more than 60% of the West Bank under Israeli control (Area C), and the requirement by Israel that Palestinian operators go through an Israeli-registered company to access international links.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 2 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Jawwal, officially known as Palestine Cellular Communications Company, is the first telecommunications company in the Palestinian territories, specialising in cellular and wireless communications. Established in 1999, it was the first to obtain a mobile license in the region, launching services in Gaza and the West Bank in the same year. The company operates under the umbrella of the Paltel Group. Despite facing significant operational challenges, including the seizure of its equipment by Israeli authorities, Jawwal has demonstrated resilience and innovation. In 2005, it adopted communication...
