Israel – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Israel?

Israel’s broadband market operates along a structural division between infrastructure providers — the companies that own and maintain the physical network — and service providers (ISPs), which sell internet packages to end users. Competition regulations require that customers using DSL or cable connections maintain two separate billing relationships: one with their infrastructure provider and one with their chosen ISP. Grasping this distinction before you start shopping will save you considerable confusion.

Infrastructure providers: Physical network infrastructure is owned by Bezeq, which operates DSL and FTTH lines, and HOT, which runs the cable network. Israel’s four cellular operators — Pelephone, Partner, Cellcom, and HOT Mobile — own their own wireless infrastructure and simultaneously act as internet service providers in their own right.

Bezeq is the country’s incumbent national telecoms operator. Its subsidiary Bezeq International is Israel’s largest ISP by subscriber base, serving households and businesses alike with products spanning ADSL, VDSL, and fibre connections at speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps. Current plans and coverage details are available at bezeq.co.il.

HOT is the dominant cable operator in Israel. HOT Telecommunication Systems delivers internet, television, and telephone services over cable and fibre optic infrastructure, with download speeds of up to 1 Gbps and unlimited data options available across its plans. Pricing and availability can be checked at hot.net.il.

Partner (previously trading as Orange) is a significant player in both mobile and fixed-line segments, and has emerged as one of the leading forces in fibre deployment through its Unlimited FTTH subsidiary, connecting a large share of new fibre homes alongside Bezeq. Plan details are listed at partner.co.il.

Cellcom provides both mobile broadband and fibre internet services. It is one of Israel’s largest telecommunications companies, offering a broad portfolio that includes internet, mobile, and television services, with fibre packages delivering speeds up to 1 Gbps. Its website is at cellcom.co.il.

Pelephone is among Israel’s longest-established mobile operators. The company offers solid nationwide coverage and a variety of plan options, with SIM cards available in its own stores and through authorised resellers. Its plans are designed to accommodate both heavy data users and those whose primary need is voice calling.

Specialist and niche providers round out the market. Internet Rimon offers filtered internet access with multiple configurable filtering levels tailored to different household requirements, and operates a related service called Internet Etrog for specific religious communities. Gilat Satellite Networks supplies enterprise- and defence-grade VSAT satellite connectivity. Because tariffs and availability change regularly, all pricing should be verified directly with each provider before making a decision.

What types of internet connection are available in Israel?

Israelis can access broadband through several technologies, and the market is moving decisively toward fibre as the mainstream option. Connectivity is delivered via telephone lines, coaxial cable, and direct fibre to the premises (FTTH) through the networks of Bezeq, HOT, IBC, and Partner. Bezeq operates DSL and FTTH lines; IBC and Partner deliver FTTH services; and HOT provides both cable internet and FTTH through IBC. Achievable speeds range from 15 Mbit/s over ADSL to 5.0 Gbit/s on Bezeq’s top-tier FTTH service.

Fibre to the Home (FTTH): By early 2024, fibre had reached approximately 45% of Israeli homes — up from around 35% in 2023 — with Bezeq and Partner (Unlimited FTTH) leading the rollout. Reports from mid-2024 indicated that Israel was “approaching full fibre deployment” nationwide, with near-universal coverage as the stated target. This trajectory puts Israel ahead of many Western European countries in terms of rollout pace.

Cable (DOCSIS): HOT via HOTnet delivers DOCSIS 3.0/3.1 services capable of speeds between 500 and 800 Mbps over coaxial cable, currently serving roughly 22% of households. Cable networks are concentrated in urban and suburban zones where HOT has operated for many years.

DSL (ADSL/VDSL): At the start of 2024, approximately 18% of homes still used ADSL or VDSL connections. Legacy DSL lines have a theoretical ceiling of around 100 Mbps but typically run below 50 Mbps in practice. DSL is progressively being superseded by fibre but continues to serve areas where fibre has not yet arrived.

4G/5G Mobile Broadband: Israel has maintained nationwide 4G/LTE for a number of years, with 4G coverage exceeding 94% of the population and 3G reaching approximately 99%. All four major mobile operators offer 4G and 4.5G service across virtually the entire country. By the end of 2024, 5G on mid-band and mmWave frequencies had been rolled out across most urban centres, with operators committing approximately $500 million to 5G network development. In rural areas, 5G is generally delivered as fixed wireless access rather than high-density mobile coverage.

Satellite: There is no mass-market consumer satellite broadband equivalent to Starlink currently operating in Israel, though Starlink’s entry into the market was under active negotiation as of 2024. Israeli company Gilat Satellite Networks provides high-throughput VSAT services — offering multi-gigabit capacity — primarily for enterprise and defence clients. Check current availability directly with providers if satellite connectivity is relevant to your situation.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Israel?

Israel ranks among the world’s leading nations for internet performance. Median fixed broadband speeds reached 167.4 Mbps and median mobile speeds hit 40.2 Mbps in early 2024. By January 2025, Ookla’s Speedtest placed Israel approximately 16th globally for fixed broadband, recording a median download speed of 226.6 Mbps — roughly two to three times the worldwide median.

Independent assessments by SpeedGEO in 2025 found that HOT delivered the highest average fixed broadband download speed at 213.4 Mbps, while Bezeq posted the best upload speed at 69.6 Mbps, and Partner achieved the lowest latency at 13 milliseconds. On the mobile side during the same period, Pelephone topped the rankings for average mobile download speed at 72.7 Mbps, Cellcom led for mobile upload speed at 14.9 Mbps, and Pelephone again recorded the lowest mobile ping at 33 milliseconds.

The gap between urban and rural internet performance in Israel is notably narrow compared to peer nations. Fixed internet connections in both Israeli cities and rural areas deliver speeds considerably above the OECD average — by 20% and 18% respectively — and the disparity between urban and rural users is smaller than in most other OECD member states. This is partly explained by the fact that roughly 92.9% of Israelis live in urban settings, concentrating the population in areas that receive priority investment.

For the most current performance data, readers are encouraged to consult Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index and the Ministry of Communications website, as rankings shift in line with ongoing network investment. Bezeq emerged as the clear fixed broadband performance leader in 2024, excelling in download speeds and latency across most measured categories.

How do I get an internet connection set up in Israel?

Israel’s regulatory framework typically means that establishing residential internet involves dealing with two separate entities: an infrastructure provider, which installs and maintains the physical line and supplies a router, and an ISP, which provides the actual data service. Familiarising yourself with this two-stage process will help you navigate sign-up smoothly.

1. Choose your infrastructure type. Before anything else, you must arrange physical network access — referred to in Hebrew as tashtit — which is the line delivering internet capability to your property. This comes either from Bezeq (for DSL or fibre) or HOT (for cable or fibre). Verify which technologies are available at your specific address, as not every option is accessible in every building.
2. Contact the infrastructure provider. Register online or by phone with Bezeq or HOT. The infrastructure provider charges a flat monthly fee for line access and will supply you with a modem or router. The device typically remains the property of the company and must be returned when the service ends; some plans include router use at no extra charge, while others levy a monthly rental fee.
3. Choose an ISP for your service package. The infrastructure provider may offer a combined package covering both line access and internet service. If not, you will need to sign up separately with an ISP such as Partner, Cellcom, or Bezeq International. Take the time to compare speeds, pricing, and contract conditions before committing.
4. Prepare your documentation. You will generally need to present your passport, a valid Israeli residency document or visa, and address verification such as a rental contract or utility bill. Some providers request an Israeli national ID number (Teudat Zehut) or its equivalent for foreign nationals — contact the provider directly to confirm what is acceptable if you do not hold one.
5. Schedule installation. Arrange a suitable appointment with the ISP’s customer service team. On the day, ensure that an adult is present at the property to give the technician access and provide any assistance needed. Fibre installations involving new internal wiring may take longer to complete than straightforward cable or DSL setups.
6. Go live. After the installation is finished, the ISP will hand over the login credentials for your connection. Run a speed test and raise any concerns with customer support promptly.
7. Check your contract terms. Some providers impose a minimum service commitment and charge fees for early cancellation. This is especially relevant for expats who may be relocating again within a year or two — always clarify the exit terms before signing.

Foreign nationals may be asked to supply additional documentation beyond what Israeli citizens are typically required to provide. Having your tenancy agreement and residency documents ready will help speed up the process. Most providers also require a local Israeli phone number for account registration and to allow the installation technician to reach you — obtaining a prepaid SIM card on arrival (see below) before arranging your broadband connection is strongly advisable.

Can I get internet access before my permanent connection is installed in Israel?

Staying connected from the moment you arrive in Israel is straightforward, given the country’s highly competitive mobile market and the abundance of public Wi-Fi in its main cities.

Prepaid SIM cards are the most convenient immediate solution. Israel’s main mobile operators — Cellcom, Partner, and Pelephone — all offer reliable nationwide coverage and a range of prepaid plans at various price points. Physical SIM cards are sold through phone stores, market kiosks, and convenience outlets throughout the country, and are stocked at the airport on arrival. Purchasing from an airport outlet is the simplest way to get online as soon as you land. Sticking to outlets directly affiliated with established carriers reduces the risk of buying an overpriced or inactive product.

eSIMs are a growing alternative for newcomers who prefer to have connectivity ready before they even board the plane. As of March 2024, one-off eSIM prices for Israel ranged from $5.50 to $22 and included between 1 GB and 20 GB of data. International providers including Airalo, Saily, and Holafly offer Israel-compatible eSIM plans that can be activated in advance of travel.

Mobile Wi-Fi (MiFi) devices can be rented or bought from mobile operator shops and electronics retailers. These pocket-sized devices share a mobile data connection across multiple devices simultaneously, making them particularly useful when setting up a temporary home office while waiting for a fixed-line installation.

Public Wi-Fi is widely available across Israel’s major urban centres, including in hotels, cafés, and public spaces in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. As with any public wireless network, you should avoid accessing sensitive accounts — particularly banking or financial services — unless your connection is secured with a VPN or equivalent encryption.

What does internet service typically cost in Israel?

By global standards, internet costs in Israel are highly competitive. A standard unlimited fixed-line plan represents less than 1% of per-capita income, and mobile data costs, when measured against average wages, are frequently among the lowest anywhere in the world.

Tariffs change regularly and differ according to provider, speed tier, and promotional offer, so always cross-reference with official provider websites and the Ministry of Communications website. The figures in the table below are illustrative ranges based on market research covering 2024–2025 and should be treated as a general guide rather than guaranteed pricing.

Bear in mind that Israel’s infrastructure-plus-ISP structure means your total monthly broadband bill will usually consist of two separate charges: the line access fee paid to Bezeq or HOT, and the service fee paid to your ISP. A number of providers now offer bundled packages combining both elements into one payment — always ask whether a quoted price includes both components. The infrastructure provider will supply a modem or router that typically remains company property and must be returned at the end of the contract; certain plans include the router at no additional cost, while others charge a monthly hire fee.

One-off installation or activation costs may also apply when a new line is established, particularly for fibre connections that require new internal cabling. Confirm any such charges with your chosen provider upfront. For the most accurate and current pricing, consult individual ISP websites and the comparison resources offered through the Israeli Ministry of Communications.

Are there any restrictions or censorship affecting internet use in Israel?

Israel maintains a largely open internet, but a limited set of targeted restrictions and legal mechanisms do exist that arriving expats should be aware of.

Net neutrality is enshrined in Israeli law. Legislation passed in 2011 obliged mobile operators to handle all internet traffic on equal terms, and this requirement was subsequently extended to fixed-line providers through a 2014 amendment. As a practical matter, this means ISPs are legally barred from throttling or giving preferential treatment to specific services — a meaningful consumer protection.

Content blocking has been applied on a selective basis. During 2010 and 2011, the Israel Police issued directives instructing ISPs to block certain gambling websites; ISPs complied despite legal uncertainty around the authority to do so. A court ruling in 2012 found that website blocking as a general principle infringed freedom of speech protections and that the original police directive had itself been unlawful. More recently, a 2024 law — initially brought to bear on the Qatari news outlet Al Jazeera — granted the minister of communications the power to direct ISPs to restrict access to foreign news network websites. This represents a broader governmental authority than existed previously, and is worth monitoring if uninterrupted access to international news sources matters to you.

VPNs are entirely legal for personal use in Israel. In contrast to several neighbouring countries that impose restrictions or outright bans on virtual private networks, Israeli law does not criminalise their personal use. VPNs are widely used in Israel for privacy and to access geo-restricted content from users’ home countries, without any legal complications. As always, stay alert to any future legal developments and seek professional advice if your intended use goes beyond straightforward personal purposes.

Taken as a whole, Israel’s internet environment closely resembles that of other OECD democracies: open access is the default, with only narrow and legally contested exceptions. All major social media platforms, streaming services, and messaging applications operate without restriction.

What should I know about mobile data and SIM cards in Israel?

Israel’s mobile sector is intensely competitive, with four established network operators and an array of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offering both prepaid and postpaid products.

The four main mobile network operators are Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone, and HOT Mobile, all of which provide 4G coverage across the country. Partner has established itself as a co-leader in mobile performance for 2024, with particular strengths in download speed and latency. Cellcom shares the top tier with a focus on superior browsing and video streaming experience, while Pelephone distinguishes itself through leading upload speed performance.

5G and network evolution: The Ministry of Communications has announced a phased programme for the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks by 31 December 2025, with freed-up frequencies being redirected toward expanding 5G capacity. If you are bringing a device that does not support 4G or 5G, you should make arrangements to upgrade before relocating.

SIM registration: Registering a SIM card in Israel requires a valid passport and, in most cases, a local address. Foreign nationals can typically buy prepaid SIMs for short-term use without holding a residency permit; postpaid contracts generally require proof of residency and may also require a local bank account. The purchase price of a SIM card is modest — typically between ILS 50 and ILS 100 — and usually includes a starter data allowance.

eSIMs are supported by all four major operators and by a range of international third-party providers. Activating an eSIM prior to your departure means you can be online the instant you arrive without needing to visit a shop or queue at an airport counter. Confirm that your handset is unlocked and eSIM-capable before depending on this option.

International roaming: Israel has roaming agreements with networks across Europe, North America, and much of Asia. Nevertheless, roaming charges can accumulate quickly, and relying on your home-country SIM as your main connection for more than a short visit is rarely economical. Switching to a local prepaid or postpaid plan as soon as possible after arrival is the recommended approach. Review current roaming terms and charges with your home operator before you travel.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Israel?

Israel’s broadband sector operates within an actively managed regulatory environment. The Ministry of Communications (MoC) is the principal authority responsible for operator licensing, spectrum auctions, and the protection of consumer rights across all fixed and mobile telecoms services.

The Ministry’s remit includes establishing the rules governing the infrastructure/ISP separation model, approving new market entrants, administering spectrum allocation for 4G and 5G deployment, and enforcing net neutrality and consumer protections. Its active role in driving universal connectivity is illustrated by the requirement for infrastructure providers to contribute to a national fund supporting smaller companies extending fibre to areas that would otherwise be commercially unviable.

For expats, the Ministry’s website is a practical resource for understanding subscriber rights, reviewing the list of licensed ISPs, and lodging complaints about billing disputes or persistent service problems. The official website is gov.il/en/departments/ministry_of_communications. A meaningful portion of the site is available in English, though certain detailed regulatory documents remain in Hebrew only.

The Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL) also plays a notable role: it operates the Israel Internet Exchange (IIX) — the central interconnection point for Israeli ISPs — and publishes materials on internet governance and digital rights. For independent speed comparisons, both Ookla Speedtest and nPerf publish Israel-specific performance data and offer live testing tools that let you benchmark your own connection against national averages.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an Israeli ID (Teudat Zehut) to sign up for internet in Israel?

Israeli citizens provide their Teudat Zehut (national ID number) when registering for telecoms services, but foreign nationals are generally able to substitute their passport number. Exact requirements differ between providers, so always check with the specific ISP or infrastructure provider before you begin the registration process, and keep your passport and tenancy agreement to hand.

How long does it take to get a broadband connection installed in Israel?

Timescales depend on the connection technology and the provider’s current workload. Where DSL or an existing cable infrastructure is already in place, installation can sometimes be arranged within a few days. Fibre connections that require new internal cabling to be installed may take anywhere from one to two weeks between placing an order and going live. Picking up a local prepaid SIM on arrival will keep you connected throughout the waiting period.

Can I use a portable Wi-Fi (MiFi) device as my main home internet in Israel?

Yes, and this works well for temporary accommodation or as a bridge while you wait for a fixed-line installation. All four major operators offer MiFi devices for sale or rental alongside generous data allowances. With 4G median speeds in Israel at around 40 Mbps or above, mobile broadband comfortably handles everyday tasks such as video calls, streaming, and remote work. That said, heavy users or households with multiple simultaneous connections are likely to find fixed fibre or cable more economical over the longer term.

Is there a social media or streaming platform commonly blocked in Israel?

Popular platforms — among them Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, Netflix, and WhatsApp — are fully accessible in Israel without restriction. The government does hold legal powers to order ISPs to block specific foreign news network websites, a power it exercised in 2024, but this measure has no bearing on mainstream social media or entertainment services. VPN use is both legal and widespread for privacy and geo-unblocking purposes.

Are VPNs legal to use in Israel?

Yes. VPNs are entirely legal for personal use in Israel and face none of the restrictions that apply in some other countries within the Middle East region. Many residents use them for privacy protection, to unlock geo-restricted content libraries, or to secure their traffic when using public Wi-Fi networks. If you intend to use a VPN in a commercial or professionally regulated context, it is advisable to seek specialist legal guidance.

Which mobile operator has the best coverage for travelling around Israel?

All four operators — Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone, and HOT Mobile — deliver 4G coverage to more than 94% of the population. Independent testing from 2024–2025 shows Partner and Pelephone performing strongly on download speed and latency respectively. For those travelling between major cities and more remote or northern regions, all four networks offer broadly similar geographic reach. It is worth consulting each operator’s official coverage map before selecting a plan.

Can I buy a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport?

Yes. SIM cards from Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone, and other operators are on sale in the arrivals area at Ben Gurion Airport. Airport kiosks are generally trustworthy, though prices may be marginally higher and plan choices somewhat narrower than in the operators’ city-centre stores. For travellers who want connectivity without delay, buying at the airport remains the most practical solution.

Who can I contact to complain about my internet provider in Israel?

Begin by raising your complaint with the provider’s own customer service department. If the matter remains unresolved after a reasonable period, you can escalate it to the Ministry of Communications, which is responsible for enforcing consumer protections across all licensed telecoms operators in the country. Guidance on submitting complaints and an overview of subscriber rights are available on the Ministry’s website at gov.il/en/departments/ministry_of_communications.