Within an hour of a "Globes" report this morning, the Ministry of Communications backtracked and announced that it will allow imports of the iPhone 4s.
In a statement, the ministry said, "The Ministry today awarded a license to import the iPhone 4s in order to increase the supply of advanced devices in the Israeli cellular market. These licenses have been awarded both to nine large importers in addition to one of the mobile carriers, in order to increase competition in the end-equipment sector."
DIY chain Home Center's H-mobile division has already begun marketing the iPhone 4s.
This morning, "Globes" reported that the Ministry of Communications had banned the import of iPhone 4s. The ministry rejected importers applications to import Apple Inc.'s (Nasdaq: AAPL) latest smartphone, but were told that until Israeli mobile carriers launch iPhone 4s, the ministry will not issue a certificate for a new device and will not allow it into the country.
The Ministry of Communications previously banned iPod imports on the same grounds, until massive public pressure forced Minister of Communications Moshe Kahlon to change his mind.
In a partial reform of Israel's telecommunications market, importers can only import devices already sold in Israel by mobile carriers, and which comply with all international standards. Since the mobile carriers have not yet launched the iPhone 4s, nor have they received any permits for it, importers cannot import it.
The Ministry of Communications said in response, "Following the request by the importers and mobile carriers on this matter, the ministry is in the approval process, and commercial imports of the devices will be approved as soon as possible."
Although the Knesset passed the reform of telecommunications devices last year, the reform has not been implemented because the Ministry of Communications has not prepared the formal documentation and standards.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 8, 2011
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2011