The Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority opposes intention to close down the 2nd and 3rd generation cellular networks

The Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority opposes the Ministry of Communications' intention to close down the 2nd and 3rd generation cellular networks, without a mechanism that would prevent harm to weak consumers. In a letter sent by PA Commissioner Michael Atlan to the Ministry of Communications, he wrote that although he welcomed the move, he was concerned "about the possible harm to consumers who own devices operating on old technologies, which according to the hearing constitute about a quarter of device owners in Israel."
The PA's concern is directed at certain populations such as the elderly and the ultra-Orthodox, who use the telephone only for the purpose of calls and messages, and are therefore interested in equipping themselves with simple and inexpensive telephones.
The ministry, which does not intend to oblige companies to replace the equipment for consumers, notes that the costs of such devices in advanced technologies are only a few hundred shekels and the closure will take five years. "This is a difficult result for us. We believe that technological change must be accompanied by ensuring the needs of those who cannot afford to replace them at their own expense, ”Atlan writes. “The communications companies will surely make nice profits from the change in infrastructure. There is also another possibility, and that is for the state to encourage the replacement of end equipment. "
Atlan gives as an example the move of the Ministry of Transportation in 2010 to give a grant of NIS 3,000 to the consumer to encourage scrapping old cars. The Ministry of Communications said: "The allegations will be examined at the hearing."