Internet in Israel - Infrastructure, Usage, and Statistics

Israel has a highly developed internet infrastructure, with a significant portion of the population having access to high-speed internet. This is largely due to the country's strong economy and high standard of living.

The country's internet infrastructure is supported by a number of major internet service providers, including Bezeq and HOT. These providers offer a range of internet plans, including fiber-optic and cable internet.

According to recent statistics, over 90% of Israelis use the internet regularly, with the majority accessing it via a mobile device. This high level of internet usage is likely driven by the country's tech-savvy population and the widespread availability of high-speed internet.

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The history of the internet in Israel is a fascinating story that spans over three decades. In November 1990, the first Israeli-built undersea cable, EMOS-1, was deployed, connecting Israel with Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

This marked the beginning of a significant upgrade to Israel's internet infrastructure, which would eventually provide large capacity links between Israel and abroad. The Israeli Internet Association took over the operation of the Israeli Internet Exchange (IIX) in 1997, routing much of the domestic internet traffic.

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Broadband internet became available in Israel via ADSL in the late 1990s, but it wasn't until 2001 that it became practical for average residential customers. Prices dropped considerably after a significant upgrade to the internet infrastructure in 1999, which cost over a billion shekels.

The Communications Law of 1982 was amended in 2001 to allow broadband internet provision through the cable infrastructure. This paved the way for faster internet speeds and more affordable options for Israeli households.

Bezeq, the major local exchange carrier, began rolling out its Next Generation Network (NGN) in 2009, offering speeds up to 100 Mbit/s. Hot, Bezeq's main competitor, started its UFI service in 2009, also offering speeds up to 100 Mbit/s.

By 2012, Bezeq's NGN had reached 90% of Israeli households, with speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s available. The deployment of FTTH infrastructure in Beersheba by Israel Broadband Company (IBC) in 2014 marked a significant milestone in Israel's fiber-optic network development.

As of June 2021, 42% of Israeli households were connected to FTTH infrastructure.

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Israel has a well-developed internet infrastructure.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) play a crucial role in this infrastructure.

IXPs in Israel allow registered networks to connect directly with each other, reducing latency and improving online experiences.

These connections are viewable in the IXP Tracker, giving a glimpse into the country's internet backbone.

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Israel has a well-developed network infrastructure, with many registered networks connecting via Internet Exchange Points (IXPs).

IXPs play a crucial role in facilitating internet connectivity by allowing networks to exchange traffic directly, reducing latency and improving overall performance.

IXPs in Israel are a key part of the country's network infrastructure, enabling efficient data exchange between networks.

Satellite internet, on the other hand, plays a niche role in Israel, mostly used by military and enterprise customers.

Gilat Satellite Networks, an Israeli company, provides VSAT connections, including multi-gigabit links, to select customers.

However, satellite internet is not a mass-market consumer service in Israel, with no local geostationary consumer ISP available until now.

The introduction of Starlink, a satellite-based internet service from SpaceX, is a significant development, marking the service's first formal entry into Israel.

Starlink's deployment is targeted for 2024, with the government planning to deploy terminals in frontline communities for backup/emergency broadband.

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Locally cached content is a game-changer for accessing popular websites quickly. Locally cached content of the top 1000 websites in Israel can be accessed through an in-country server or cache.

This means that if you're in Israel and trying to access a frequently visited website, you'll likely get it from a local server rather than a far-off one. This can significantly reduce latency and make browsing the web a smoother experience.

In fact, locally cached content can help reduce the load on the original server, making it a win-win for both users and website owners. Locally cached content of the top 1000 websites in Israel can be accessed through an in-country server or cache.

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Israel has a unique internet service provider (ISP) landscape due to competition laws. Every DSL or cable Internet user has to pay separately to the infrastructure provider and to the ISP.

The three main ISPs are 012 Smile, 013 Netvision (including Internet Rimon), and Bezeq International. In 2006, they held market shares of 34, 33, and 30 percent, respectively.

There are 43 companies with ISP licenses given by the Ministry of Communications as of August 2012. This includes major players like Bezeq and Hot, as well as smaller regional providers.

Here's a breakdown of the top ISPs by market share:

The Israeli ISP market is concentrated among a few large groups. Bezeq Group is the market leader in fixed broadband, with roughly 30% of fixed subscribers.

The top four groups have nationwide scale, while numerous smaller ISPs and regional providers hold the remaining share.

Israel's average download speed in household broadband connections is 153 Mbit/s, while upload speeds average at 31 Mbit/s. This is according to Ookla, as of May 2021.

Households connected to fiber to the home infrastructure can utilize lines of up to 2.5 Gbit/s, making it one of the fastest options available. Others have access to up to 500 Mbit/s over cable, and up to 200 Mbit/s over DSL.

Faster internet speeds are needed for the efficient use of connected devices, such as smart cars, homes, and fridges. Research has shown that an increase in internet speed helps boost economic growth.

According to a 2009 World Bank study, a 10-percentage point increase in fixed broadband penetration would increase GDP growth by 1.21% in developed economies and 1.38% in developing ones. This highlights the importance of internet speed for economic growth.

Typical fixed-line plans in Israel now start around ₪80–₪100 per month (about USD 22–30) for ~100–200 Mbps, making internet access relatively affordable. Higher tiers (500+ Mbps) are also available for under ₪200.

Israel's average connection speed is 13.7 Mbps, ranking 33 out of 148 global nations, according to an internet speeds report by Akamai Technologies for the first quarter of 2017.

Internet usage is widespread in Israel, with a significant portion of the population accessing the internet regularly. The proportion of the population that uses the internet is remarkable, with a staggering 92% of both men and women online.

In fact, the internet usage rate is almost identical for both genders, with no significant difference between female and male internet users. This suggests that the internet has become an integral part of daily life for people of all ages and backgrounds in Israel.

Here is a breakdown of internet usage by gender:

Internet usage is widespread across the globe.

In fact, many countries have their own unique domain extensions, such as .il, which is the country code top-level domain used for Israel.

Domain names like these help identify and distinguish between different websites and online resources.

The .il domain is used for websites and online services based in Israel, making it easier for users to find and access relevant information.

Country-level domains like .il are an essential part of the internet infrastructure, enabling people to connect and communicate online.

Population usage by gender is a fascinating topic. According to the data, the proportion of the population that uses the Internet is remarkably similar between genders.

The numbers are striking: 92% of females and 92% of males use the Internet. This suggests that the digital divide between men and women is not as significant as one might expect.

The internet has made it possible for people to access information and connect with others from anywhere in the world. According to recent statistics, 53% of the world's population is now online, with the majority of users living in urban areas.

Urban areas tend to have better internet infrastructure and more affordable access to high-speed internet, making it easier for people to get online. In contrast, rural areas often struggle with slow internet speeds and high costs.

In the United States, for example, 62% of urban residents have broadband internet at home, compared to just 44% of rural residents. This digital divide can have serious consequences for people living in rural areas.

Despite these challenges, many rural communities are finding creative ways to improve their internet access. Some are investing in community-led broadband initiatives, while others are using satellite internet to stay connected.

In developing countries, mobile phones have become a lifeline for many people, particularly in rural areas where fixed-line internet is scarce. In fact, mobile phone penetration is often higher than fixed-line internet penetration in these countries.

However, even with mobile phones, many people in rural areas still struggle to access the internet. In some countries, mobile internet coverage is limited, and data costs can be prohibitively expensive.

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Israel's internet security is a top priority, with the government investing heavily in network security and the national CERT coordinating against cyber-attacks. This has resulted in a moderate ability to withstand outages, with a score of around 57% on the Internet Resilience Index.

The country's advanced fiber backbone and high redundancy in communications infrastructure also contribute to its robust internet security. According to Surfshark's DQL report, Israel's "Internet Quality" score is ~34% above global norms, reflecting its strong infrastructure and tech expertise.

Israel's internet is free and open by international measures, with relatively little direct censorship exercised by the state. Only narrowly defined blocks exist today, such as court orders against specific extremist content. The new Privacy Protection Law (2024) means companies will face stiffer rules on data use and sharing, with mandatory breach notifications and high fines expected to align Israel with global best practice.

Online crime is a growing concern in Israel, with cybercrime victimization rates on the rise. In 2023, cybercrime victimization rates in Israel were higher among individuals aged 25-34, with 12.5% of this age group experiencing cybercrime.

Cybercrime can affect anyone, regardless of age or education level. However, younger individuals are more likely to fall victim to cybercrime, with a cybercrime victimization rate of 10.1% in 2023 among those aged 18-24.

Cybercrime victimization rates in Israel vary by gender, with a higher rate among women in 2021, at 11.4%. This highlights the importance of online safety and security for all individuals, regardless of gender.

The types of cybercrime incidents in Israel in 2023 included phishing, ransomware, and online harassment. These types of incidents can have serious consequences, including financial loss and emotional distress.

Here is a breakdown of the share of cybercrime incidents in Israel in 2023, by type:

Education level also plays a role in cybercrime victimization, with individuals having a higher education level being less likely to fall victim to cybercrime. In 2021, 8.5% of individuals with a higher education level experienced cybercrime, compared to 14.1% of those with a lower education level.

In Israel, the government plays a significant role in shaping the broadband environment through active regulation. The Ministry of Communications (MoC) oversees licensing, spectrum auctions, and consumer protections.

Net neutrality is a key policy in Israel, with a law passed in 2011 requiring mobile operators to treat traffic equally. This law was later extended to fixed-line providers in 2014, ensuring that ISPs cannot legally block or throttle lawful traffic.

The Communications Minister abolished the structural separation of network infrastructure from ISPs in 2021, allowing integrated providers to issue a single bill for both infrastructure and service. This simplifies the consumer experience, but existing unbundled customers can still opt to remain under the old rules.

The MoC auctions radio spectrum for mobile services, with operators paying hundreds of millions of NIS per year for spectrum rights. In 2019, the MoC tendered 5G frequencies with coverage milestones into 2023, with the government allocating additional frequencies and funding to accelerate 5G rollout.

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There are roughly 40-45 active ISP licenses in Israel as of 2024, with universal-service regulations obliging the largest telcos to use the national network to ensure broad access. Other laws, such as the Freedom of Information Law, encourage providers to enable broad connectivity.

Here's a summary of the key policies shaping Israel's broadband environment:

Mobile Internet in Israel is a rapidly evolving landscape. Israel's major mobile carriers, Pelephone, Partner, and Cellcom, offer HSPDA service, typically at speeds of 24 Mbit/s, over their 3G networks.

In 2020, Partner became the first provider to operate a consumer 4G (LTE) network, reaching theoretical symmetrical speeds of 100 Mbit/s. This was a significant milestone for Israel's mobile internet.

All major mobile carriers now offer 4G LTE Advanced connectivity in the 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz frequencies, available in most populated regions. However, these services are limited to about 20% of their maximum speeds due to the Israeli Ministry of Communications not allocating the full spectrum of required frequencies.

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The rollout of 5G networks has also begun, with the three major carriers, plus Hot Mobile, receiving licenses and deploying their respective networks in 2020.

Mobile internet users in Israel have been increasing steadily, with 99% of the population having access to at least one device with 4G mobile internet. This is a testament to the country's advanced telecommunications infrastructure.

Here's a breakdown of mobile internet statistics in Israel:

In 2024, mobile web traffic accounted for a significant share of internet traffic in Israel, with 92% of the population having access to at least one device with 5G mobile internet.

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Mobile internet users in Israel are expected to grow from 2019 to 2029. This trend is expected to continue as more people in Israel rely on their mobile phones for internet access.

According to current statistics, the leading e-commerce segments in Israel in 2022 accounted for a significant market share. This indicates that online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Israel.

Here's a breakdown of the top global online retail websites in Israel in November 2024, by share of orders:

Israel has a high social media user penetration rate, with over 80% of the population using social media as of 2024. This is a significant increase from 2019, when the rate was around 60%.

Mobile internet usage is on the rise in Israel, with an expected 10 million mobile phone internet users by 2029.

The e-commerce market in Israel is also growing, with the leading e-commerce segments accounting for a significant market share in 2022.

In 2024, the top global online retail websites in Israel generated a substantial share of orders, indicating a strong online shopping culture.

Social media user penetration in Israel has been increasing steadily from 2019 to 2028, with a significant growth rate expected in the coming years.

The most used social media platforms in Israel as of January 2024, by penetration rate, are:

YouTube users in Israel are expected to reach 6 million by 2029, with the most viewed YouTube channels in Israel in June 2025, by number of views (in billions), being:

Country-Level Domain Use is a crucial aspect of the internet infrastructure.

The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) .il is used for domain registration in Israel.

In some countries, ccTLDs are more popular than generic top-level domains (gTLDs) like .com.

The use of country-level domains can vary significantly from one country to another.

Israel's .il domain is a notable example of a ccTLD that is widely used for local internet platforms.

Israel's internet access is a remarkable story. The country ranks very favorably in connectivity metrics globally.

With a penetration rate of 92%, Israel's internet access is almost universal. This is comparable to top OECD countries.

In terms of speed, Israel's 150-226 Mbps is impressive, with some areas even reaching speeds of ~167 Mbps. This is roughly 2-3 times the global median.

Israel's mobile speeds are also above average. According to Ookla, Israel's fixed speed ranked around 16th highest in the world in January 2025.

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Typical Israeli plans are still relatively affordable, with a fixed unlimited plan costing under 1% of per-capita income. Mobile data is often among the world's cheapest when measured relative to average wages.

Israel continues to push for 100% fiber coverage and broad 5G rollout, while maintaining strong regulations such as net neutrality and privacy rules.