Steinitz approves IEC fiber optic venture
Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz signed the permit for IEC to engage in telecommunications and provide 1-Gbps Internet access speed.
A consortium of Sweden’s ViaEuropa AB, BATM Advanced Communications Ltd. (LSE: BVC; TASE: BATM), Rapac Communication and Infrastructure Ltd. (TASE: RPAC), the Zisapels’ Bynet Data Communications Ltd., and Pujo Zabludowicz’s Tamares Telecom Ltd. won last year bid in the joint Ministry of Finance and IEC tender for a private investor in the fiber optic venture. ViaEuropa CEO Jonas Birgersson discussed the venture with IEC and Ministry of Finance officials during a recent visit to Israel.
Deployment of the fiber optic network is scheduled to begin in late 2013, when the ministries finish their work and the tender process is completed.
Steinitz said, “This is an important milestone in the establishment of one of the most advanced Internet infrastructures in Israel. This is an important growth engine which will contribute to the strengthening of the Israeli economy.”
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news – www.globes-online.com – on January 27, 2013
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2013