Partner Communications Company

Partner Communications Company Ltd., trading under the Partner brand, is an Israeli telecommunications operator whose principal activities include mobile communications, fixed telephony, internet access, fiber broadband, Wi-Fi, and over-the-top or IPTV television services. The company was established to compete for Israel’s third cellular-network license and began full commercial operations in January 1999 as the country’s third mobile operator. Its launch introduced GSM service to Israel at a time when the established operators used other cellular technologies, giving customers compatibility with GSM networks and roaming services in many countries. The company initially operated under the Orange brand through a licensing arrangement with Orange S.A. Orange Israel became one of the most recognizable telecommunications brands in the Israeli market, supported by an extensive launch and advertising program. The Orange identity was not owned by Partner: it was licensed from the international Orange group. Following a dispute and renegotiation concerning the continuation of that license in 2015, Partner introduced its own visual identity in February 2016 and formally ceased using Orange as its consumer brand on 16 February 2016. Partner expanded beyond mobile service during the 2000s. In January 2007 it received a nationwide terrestrial telecommunications license, enabling it to offer wired communications. In 2009 it commercially launched internet and fixed-line services for households and small businesses. Its fixed telephony offering used internet-protocol technology and supported features such as multiple calls on one line and call handling between a customer’s home and mobile phones. In 2010 Partner acquired 012 Smile Telecom, strengthening its position in internet and fixed communications. The company also invested in higher-speed access infrastructure. In 2017 it began rolling out a fiber-optic network and marketed connections with speeds reaching 1 gigabit per second. Its mobile network has historically included GSM, UMTS, HSPA+, and LTE technologies, with international roaming arrangements supporting use outside Israel. The company serves consumer, prepaid, and business customers, and its mobile numbering is historically associated with the 054 prefix, although number portability means that some customers retain numbers with other prefixes. Partner’s ownership has changed substantially since its formation. The original consortium included Hutchison Telecom and several Israeli investors. Hutchison later became the dominant shareholder before selling its controlling interest in 2009 to Scailex Corporation, controlled by Ilan Ben-Dov. In 2012 that controlling stake was sold to SB Telecom, associated with Haim Saban. Partner remains an Israeli publicly traded telecommunications company focused on connectivity and related digital services rather than an international Orange subsidiary. The company has also faced political and human-rights criticism concerning services connected with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. In 2020 it was included in a United Nations database of companies identified as involved in settlement-related economic activity. In 2021 Norway’s KLP pension fund announced that it would divest from Partner among a group of companies cited in that database. Partner’s business continues to be centered on the Israeli market, where it competes with other mobile, broadband, and communications providers.

Partner was created in 1999 after Israel decided to license a third cellular operator. The winning consortium included Hutchison Telecom, Elbit, MATAV, Eurocom, and Polar Communications. A competing group known as Tapuz lost the tender and subsequently became part of the Partner operation. The new company began full commercial service in January 1999, entering a market previously served by Pelephone and Cellcom. Partner’s GSM technology distinguished it from the incumbent networks and made international handset compatibility and roaming important parts of its early proposition. The service was launched under the Orange name, licensed from the international Orange group. Orange Israel achieved rapid consumer recognition through an extensive marketing program. By March 2001, approximately two years after launch, Partner reported more than one million subscribers, representing about 21 percent of Israel’s cellular market at that time. The company accessed public capital markets soon after beginning operations, holding an initial public offering on NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange in November 1999. Its shares were later listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 2001, where they traded under PTNR and became part of the TA-35 index. The company maintained multiple listings for many years before leaving NASDAQ in 2023 and retaining its Tel Aviv listing. Ownership evolved as the original investors reduced their positions. Hutchison Telecom became the leading shareholder, while Orascom acquired an interest in Hutchison and thereby held an indirect interest in Partner. In 2009 Hutchison sold its controlling stake to Scailex Corporation, controlled by Ilan Ben-Dov. In 2012 the controlling holding was sold to SB Telecom, associated with Haim Saban. These transactions changed the company’s ownership without altering its core role as an Israeli telecommunications operator. Partner broadened its business through regulatory licenses and acquisitions. A nationwide terrestrial telecommunications license was granted in January 2007. Initially the company focused its wired offering on large businesses, but in January 2009 it launched internet and SIP-based fixed-line services for private customers and small businesses. The combination of fixed and mobile services enabled features linking home and mobile numbers, as well as multiple-call capabilities. In 2010 Partner acquired 012 Smile Telecom, an internet and communications provider created through the earlier combination of 012 Golden Lines and Smile Communications. The deal made Partner a more substantial competitor in fixed internet and business connectivity. The company’s network developed from GSM and later UMTS infrastructure to HSPA+ and LTE. International roaming agreements expanded the geographic usefulness of its mobile service. Partner also entered the high-speed fixed broadband segment, rolling out optical-fiber infrastructure in 2017 and offering connections advertised at up to one gigabit per second. Its wider portfolio has included home internet, Wi-Fi, fixed voice, mobile communications, and OTT or IPTV television. The end of the Orange era was one of Partner’s most significant brand decisions. In 2015 remarks by Orange chief executive Stéphane Richard about the Israeli licensing arrangement produced political and commercial controversy. Richard later clarified his position and met Israeli officials, while Orange and Partner amended their ten-year agreement. The amendment created an opt-out mechanism and payments associated with rebranding. Partner revealed a new logo in February 2016 and completed the transition to its own brand on 16 February. Partner has also been subject to criticism over services and infrastructure associated with Israeli settlements. The BDS movement criticized the company, and the United Nations’ February 2020 database identified it in relation to settlement-supporting services and use of resources in occupied territories. In July 2021 KLP announced that it would divest from Partner. These issues have affected the company’s external reputation, while its operating business remains primarily focused on Israeli consumers and enterprises.

1. 2023NASDAQ delisting

   Partner ended its NASDAQ listing and continued as a company listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

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2. 2017Fiber broadband rollout

   Partner expanded into high-speed optical-fiber broadband, including offerings reaching 1 gigabit per second.

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3. 2016Rebrand from Orange Israel to Partner

   Partner introduced its own brand identity and ended consumer use of the licensed Orange name.

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4. 2010Acquisition of 012 Smile Telecom

   Partner acquired 012 Smile Telecom to strengthen its fixed internet and communications portfolio.

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5. 2009Launch of consumer fixed-line and internet services

   The company expanded its SIP-based fixed telephony and ISP services to private users and small businesses.

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6. 2009Sale of Hutchison’s controlling interest

   Hutchison sold its controlling stake in Partner to Scailex Corporation.

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7. 2007Nationwide terrestrial telecommunications license

   Partner received authorization to provide terrestrial telecommunications services throughout Israel.

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8. 2001Tel Aviv Stock Exchange listing

   Partner shares began trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the PTNR symbol.

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9. 1999Commercial launch as Israel’s third cellular operator

   Partner began full commercial operations and introduced GSM mobile service to the Israeli market under the Orange brand.

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10. 1999Initial public offering

    The company completed an IPO on NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange less than a year after beginning operations.

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A broad Israeli connectivity provider combining mobile service with fixed communications, fiber broadband, internet, and television offerings.

• Partner MobileMobile telecommunications1999

  Partner’s core mobile business provides cellular voice and data services to prepaid, postpaid, consumer, and business customers in Israel. The network has used GSM, UMTS, HSPA+, and LTE technologies, with international roaming agreements supporting service abroad. The company entered the market as Israel’s first GSM operator and historically associated its mobile service with the 054 numbering prefix, although customers may retain other prefixes through number portability.

• Partner FiberFiber broadband2017

  Partner’s fiber offering uses the company’s optical-fiber infrastructure to provide high-speed fixed internet access to Israeli households and businesses. The fiber rollout began in 2017 and included advertised connections reaching 1 gigabit per second. It forms part of the company’s strategy to combine mobile connectivity with fixed broadband and home communications.

• Partner Fixed TelephonyFixed-line telephony2009

  Partner’s fixed-line business developed after the company received a nationwide terrestrial telecommunications license in 2007. Commercial services for households and small businesses launched in 2009 using Session Initiation Protocol technology. The service supported features such as multiple calls on one line and call routing or answering options linking a home telephone with a Partner mobile phone.

• Partner Internet and Wi-FiInternet service provider2009

  Partner provides internet access and Wi-Fi services for residential and business customers. These services grew from the company’s 2009 ISP launch and were later supplemented by fiber infrastructure. The offering sits within a broader communications bundle that can include mobile, fixed voice, broadband, and television services.

• Partner TVOTT and IPTV television

  Partner’s television activities include over-the-top and IPTV-based services delivered through internet connectivity. They extend the company beyond network access into home entertainment and support its positioning as a multi-service communications provider.

• Orange IsraelHistorical telecommunications brand1999

  Orange Israel was Partner’s former consumer-facing identity. The name was licensed from Orange S.A. and became strongly associated with Partner’s early mobile growth and advertising. Following a renegotiation of the licensing arrangement in 2015, Partner replaced the identity with its own brand in February 2016.

• 2016Partner rebranding campaign

  Israel

  Partner introduced a new logo and shifted customer-facing communications from the licensed Orange identity to the independent Partner brand.

  Outcome. The Orange consumer brand was formally replaced by Partner on 16 February 2016.

  Source
• 1999Orange Israel launch campaign

  Israel

  Partner launched its GSM network under the Orange name with a large-scale advertising and brand-building effort. The campaign helped establish Orange as a widely recognized Israeli telecommunications identity.

  Outcome. The launch is described as one of the country’s notable telecommunications advertising successes and supported rapid subscriber growth.

  Source

• 2023Consolidate public listing on the Tel Aviv Stock ExchangeStrategy

  Partner had historically maintained listings on international and Israeli exchanges.

  What changed. The company delisted from NASDAQ and continued with its Tel Aviv Stock Exchange listing.

  Aftermath. Partner’s public-market presence became centered on Israel’s domestic exchange.

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• 2017Roll out fiber broadbandProduct launch

  Demand for faster fixed internet encouraged Partner to invest in optical-fiber access.

  What changed. Partner rolled out a high-speed fiber network and marketed connections reaching 1 gigabit per second.

  Aftermath. Fiber became an important part of Partner’s integrated mobile, broadband, and home-services proposition.

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• 2015Renegotiate Orange brand agreementStrategy

  Political controversy surrounded Orange S.A.’s continued licensing of its brand to Partner in Israel.

  What changed. Orange and Partner amended their ten-year licensing agreement, adding an opt-out mechanism and payments connected with a possible rebrand.

  Aftermath. Partner introduced its own identity and ended use of Orange as its consumer brand in February 2016.

  Payments associated with amended licensing arrangement. NIS 168 million plus a possible additional NIS 210 million termination-related payment (2015-2016)

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• 2010Acquire 012 Smile TelecomM&A

  Partner wanted to strengthen its presence in internet and fixed communications.

  What changed. The company acquired 012 Smile Telecom.

  Aftermath. The acquisition expanded Partner’s fixed-network and internet capabilities in Israel.

  Acquisition value. NIS 1.45 billion (2010)

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• 2009Launch fixed-line and ISP servicesProduct launch

  Partner sought to broaden its business beyond mobile communications and use its terrestrial license.

  What changed. It launched SIP-based fixed telephony and internet services for private users and small businesses.

  Aftermath. Partner developed a multi-service communications portfolio spanning mobile, fixed voice, and internet access.

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• 2007Enter nationwide terrestrial telecommunicationsStrategy

  Partner had established itself as a mobile operator and received a license that allowed it to expand into wired communications.

  What changed. The company obtained a nationwide terrestrial telecommunications license and initially targeted large business customers.

  Aftermath. The license enabled later consumer and small-business fixed-line and internet launches.

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• 2021KLP divestment over settlement linksControversy

  Norwegian pension fund KLP announced that it would divest from Partner along with other companies named in the United Nations database, citing their alleged links to Israeli settlements.

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• 2020United Nations settlement-related database listingControversy

  The United Nations included Partner in a database of companies identified as contributing to settlement-related activity in the occupied Palestinian territories and occupied Golan Heights. The listing concerned the provision of services and utilities and the use of natural resources.

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• 2015Orange licensing controversyControversy

  Public comments by Orange chief executive Stéphane Richard about potentially ending the Israeli licensing arrangement generated political controversy. The dispute led to clarifications, a meeting with Israeli officials, and a renegotiation that enabled Partner to leave the Orange brand.

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• 2017Partner expands high-speed fiber network

  The company rolled out a high-speed optical-fiber network and promoted connections reaching 1 gigabit per second.

  Product launch
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• 2016Partner launches its independent brand identity

  Partner unveiled a new logo on 11 February and officially moved away from the Orange consumer brand on 16 February.

  CampaignProduct generation
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• 2010Partner acquires 012 Smile Telecom

  Partner acquired 012 Smile Telecom, expanding its internet and fixed-communications activities.

  M&A
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• 2009Hutchison sells controlling stake to Scailex

  Hutchison exited its investment in Partner by selling its controlling interest to Scailex Corporation, associated with Ilan Ben-Dov.

  M&A
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• 2001Partner lists shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange

  After earlier international listings, Partner’s shares began trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the PTNR symbol.

  Other
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• 1999Partner begins full commercial mobile operations

  Partner entered Israel’s cellular market as the third operator and introduced the country’s first GSM network.

  Product launch
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1. Partner Communications Company
2. Partner official website