Gad Perez

Recent events mean the laggard Israeli telecommunications market has turned a corner, but the delays have been costly.

The regulators will not allow more than one merger in Israel's telecommunications market, and so Cellcom's talks with Golan Telecom have a double aim.

However things play out in the market, the competition from Via Europa and Cisco means a great leap forward for our telecomunicaions infrastructure.

The TV market cannot be compared to the mobile market, which was making excessive profits, while Hot and Yes both lose money.

The investors in Israel Electric Corporation's fiber optic cable venture will need deep pockets and strong nerves.

Telecommunications market sources are convinced that the price reduction is the mobile carrier's death rattle.

As far as promoting 4G technology, for the benefit of the industry and country, and dealing with the issue of antenna are concerned, the Communications Ministry has recorded a resounding failure.

If an agreement to buy Partner is not concluded relatively swiftly, it is safe to assume that the deal will not be completed.

Sweden's ViaEuropa may bring in Cisco Systems as a partner with a small stake in the IEC fiber optic venture.

There is no question Cellcom's rivals must respond to their new plan, because this is no ordinary marketing move.

In the end, the most professional bidder won the mobile carrier tender.