Duh, so is the Cable TV market, even the fuel prices at the pump are non competitive. Israelis pay more for everything because we are exploited by the system here , that allows a few rich families to own everything, while the rest of us suffer to pay outrageous prices, and the public refuses to band together and stand up for their rights, and the politicians don't care because they are lining their own pockets !

from us and no one stands up for our rights. It cost me a few hundred dollars for an Ericcson E-5 cell phone. However I can purchase a better model the E-8 from China for $25. Even a 100% tax on the cell phone, it is still cheaper to buy one from the factory in China.All I need is a simm card. Cellphones in Walmarts last year were being sold for $10 and all you need to do is buy a talk card. Companies steal from us and even if you tell them you do not want their service anymore, they still deduct money from your credit card or bank. The management and workers of these companies should be liable for the amounts they steal,plus a big fine.If it continues, then try them.

In fact, if you buy a larger package for browsing abroad, you pay much less—according to the same OECD data, it drops to one of the cheapest among these nations when comparing larger packages. Still, the Israeli cellular phone market is not competitive, that's true. The Ministry of Communications started a reform, but screwed up, which left 018 out of the cellular phone race, and without any serious new companies.

Its a pity that Kachlon doesn't take on YES and HOT as well! A month ago I cancelled my HOT internet because they can only offer 12 0r 100 Mbit connection. I had 16 Mbit but they no longer provide it. I would ahve had to down grade so I switched to Bezeq NGN. They told me to take the HOT modem/router from Karmiel to Kiriyat Bialik, some 30 Kms away! Then they agreed to send a technician to collect the modem/router but he was not prepared to take the phone modem as well! Now I have to take the phone modem to Kiriyat Bialik or face a massive fine! Typical of the Mafia tactics of our communications companies particularly when you see lots of little HOT cars every day in Karmiel!

Israel's whole market is artificially inflated with service providers interested in making the highest buck for the lowest service.Israeli's are only interested in making as much money and charge exorbitant prices that have nothing to do with market trends, money markets or inflation. The Shekel today is one the strongest currencies in the world but prices continue to rise. How is it possible that a caffe latte, for example, costs $3.50 in Tel Aviv but in New York .75cents - only because you are being robbed in broad daylight.

At least Israeli's don't have to pay for incoming cell phone calls as we do here in the states.

I thought he was going to take on the monopolies.

The European Parliament are constantly regulating the use of mobile phone charges across Europe. Israel is a law unto itself when it comes to charging what they like for everyone. #1 is right - no-one stops them. All we can do is to not use cell phones for voice and data while abroad or use a smartphone and find free hotspots.

Buy a local sim card where ever destination is - price works out to between 90 percent ( Thailand ) to 50 percent (New York) lower then Israeli roaming and cellphone charges.

Ian, what kind of kombina do you have that gets you a latte for 75 cents in NYC? Walk into any Starbucks or McDonalds and you'll pay $3 and up.

in israel is EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!but no one does anything except complain. Stop using the mobile phone, drive less, don't buy certain cheeses.

nothing.... Most calls are about nothing. I have been using a mobile for 15 yrs...I am moving back to a land line. I dont like to be tethered 24/7. Besides, I am not that important that I have to be in contact 24/7. Its time to drop the cell and experience freedom. Also dont forget cells are GPS devices, you can be tracked as to where you are.

Cant afford a tv or the tax forced on the consumers who own them

I remember a time when Cellcom increased their rates then charged customers the increased rate starting at the beginning of the year. The act was illegal and gave them millions more $$$ in profit. No one really noticed the few shekels collected but one lawyer did and made a class action lawsuit. Cellcom gave in, reversed the charges, but no penalty came to them. I believe I read a high-level executive say "it doesn't hurt to try". The reason this blatant theft of the public is allowed is because the Israeli legal system does not allow for punitive damages to be levied against purposeful malicious behavior. We don't even have a proper Consumer Affairs protection system in the country. Punitive damages gums up the US legal system but it keeps a lot of businesses honest.

I won't be using their services if I can help it.

No wonder certain companies have exagerated prices and costs, among many others: Hot, Yes, Cellcom, Insurance companies, Car Importers, pharmaceutical industry and the dairies. Did you ever ask yourself why?

No reason to ask, Israel emulates America, which does it on a much larger scale

when you had to wait years to get a phone Now that you have it, you're still kvetching