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Bezeq, Israel's dominant telecoms operator, had long argued for
an end to its "structural separation", in which it is forced to
keep its mobile phone, fixed line, satellite TV and internet
units as separate entities.
Permitting an end to structural separation would ultimately
allow Bezeq to offer packages of phone, internet and TV. Its
smaller competitors, many of which are barely making profit,
have urged the regulator to keep the structural separation in
tact, arguing that Bezeq will become more powerful.
The Communications Ministry, Bezeq said, hinges on Bezeq's
commitment to invest in infrastructure and accelerate the
deployment of a fiber optics broadband network in 2017 and reach
76 percent of households within three years.
Before amending Bezeq's license, the ministry intends to hold a
hearing during 2017 regarding the procedures of the cancellation
of the structural separation.
Bezeq said it was examining the prospect of implementing
measures to allow it to merge its units.
(Reporting by Steven Scheer)
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