The Palestine Telecommunications Company, Paltel reached an agreement with the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MTIT) regarding the downloading of internet capacity for the upcoming period with no extra charges from 11pm to 8am.  This agreement is based on the recommendations of the Joint Assessment Committee which is responsible for reviewing the campaign which limits the downloading capabilities on the internet that targeted internet abusers and re-sellers.

The results of the evaluation carried out by the Joint Assessment Committee indicated that 85% of internet users were not affected by the downloading bandwidth capping, but where the resellers and abusers were affected. The new regulations regarding downloading of capacity and faster speed takes into account the interest of users in various categories, i.e. students, professors, business professionals and heavy users of the internet so as to enable them to enjoy existing speeds and adequate internet capacities.

Mr. Muhannad Heajawi, the General Manager of Paltel states that the exemption of hours late at night from limiting the size of the download for all speeds negatively affects customers using the Internet without restrictions, since evening hours are not suitable for abusers of the internet (the target group that is already experiences the restrictions of the downloading limit).  Mr. Heajawi also added that Paltel had chosen to restrict capacity download for lack of other options to ensure the rights of the legitimate customers are not affected, while directly limiting the capacity of abusers who are taking advantage of the internet at the expense of others.  Paltel and MTIT cannot adequately monitor every home to punish the offending use only, but is instead able to review the results of the general policy of capping with the Ministry to improve conditions for the benefit of each legitimate internet customer.

As for the information regarding (Bit Stream Unbundling) which would allow company Internet service providers to provide services to subscribers across Paltel communication lines, Mr. Heajawi stated that the company has always been concerned with improving the operating opportunities for these companies in order to foster competition which will in turn positively affect subscribers and the level of services provided.

Mr. Heajawi also pointed out that according to the new system which will be implemented during the second half of this year, will be to provide Paltel ADSL lines to connect subscribers to the network provider companies.  In turn, such companies will provide subscribers with internet and e-mail services and be responsible for the quality of services provided.  In addition, Mr. Heajawi stated that this agreement is a move in the right direction since it will open up competition in the internet and contribute to the diffusion of the Internet in Palestine and give the subscriber more choices in terms of quality and competitive prices.