Cellular telephone reception in many areas of Yehuda and Shomron is sporadic at best, making life more difficult for the hundreds of thousands of residents of those areas in addition to posing an addition security concern.

MK Uri Maklev has been working hard to have additional antennas installed to improve reception over the so-called Green Line. Last week, Maklev visited the chareidi community of Meitzad, located in eastern Gush Etzion. He was made aware of the poor cellular reception in that area.

He told the media following his visit that in addition to security issues, cellular subscribers in that area are paying a regular fee to their provider while they are not receiving coverage and there is no justification for this payment.

After contacting a number of people, Maklev reports that an antenna is going to be installed at Meitzad Junction under the responsibility of Cellcom and it will provide coverage in the area. Cellcom officials explain that while the new antenna is being installed and service will improve, it will not eliminate all of the areas that do not have reception. The new antenna is scheduled to be installed by month’s end.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)