The Ministerial Constitution Committee of the Israeli Knesset passed the bill proposed by MK Michael Malchieli from Shas that aims to put an end to discrimination against people who own “Kosher” cell phones, Bichadrei reports. The proposed bill will force cellular carriers to receive approval via a telephone call to the consumer in advance of any changes of increased tariffs regarding the cellular plan of the consumer. This has been a particular issue with regards to cellular carriers charging increased tariffs at the end of a contract period.

MK Malchieli said: “This bill was designed in order to protect the Bnei Torah community who use Kosher cell phones. Until today, they have not been updated regarding the ending of a contract period, nor regarding a hike in tariffs, since the cellular companies generally send a text message, something which cannot be received by customers who possess a Koser phone. Therefore, the customer was never made aware of the change in tariff, which in most cases was an increase in cost. Often times these increases have resulted in losses of hundreds of shekels.

Bichadrei ays that MK Malchieli thanked the Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, Communications Minister Ayoob Kara, and the head of the Consumer Protection Authority Michael Atlan who helped understood the need for this bill and supported it all along its way to being passed by the committee. The bill is expected to come before the Knesset plenum for its initial reading in the coming days.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)