Sources inform ''Globes'' that Minister of Communications Moshe Kahlon will shortly issue a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) license to independent supermarket Rami Levi Chain Stores Hashikma Marketing 2006 Ltd. (TASE:RMLI), controlled by Rami Levi. The company has not made any official announcement on the matter.
Rami Levi will become the fourth company to receive an MVNO license, following New Hamashbir Lazarchan Ltd. (TASE:MSZB) unit 365 Telecom Ltd., Free Telecom Ltd., and Ituran Location and Control Ltd. (Nasdaq:ITRN); TASE:ITRN) unit Ituran Cellular Communication Ltd.
Nine applications for MVNO licenses have been submitted to the Ministry of Communications to date, including by Israel Postal Company Ltd., Bynet Communications Ltd., and DIY chain Home Center.
When Rami Levi submitted the application in August, he told "Globes", "My goal is to be everywhere where I can do good and benefit my customers. Today, the Israeli family's second largest expenditure after food is communications. In the food sector, Rami Levi Hashikma helps hundreds of thousands of families improve their quality of life. In cellular too, I can contribute and help my customers. This will also ultimately help my company."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 6, 2010
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