Pelephone Rebrands Network to 'GO VOTE' Ahead of Elections
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli mobile carrier Pelephone has changed its network name to "GO VOTE" to encourage voter turnout for the upcoming elections. The company is also moving forward with its acquisition of ViaCom Mobile, having received necessary regulatory approvals. The deal is expected to provide significant financial benefits to Pelephone's parent company, Bezeq.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Pelephone changed its network name to "GO VOTE" to encourage public participation in the upcoming elections.
- The "GO VOTE" network name will appear on customer screens starting Monday and throughout election day.
- Pelephone is acquiring ViaCom Mobile for approximately NIS 265 million, pending final agreement.
- The acquisition is expected to generate significant financial synergies for parent company Bezeq.
- Regulatory approvals for the ViaCom Mobile acquisition have been granted.
In anticipation of the upcoming Knesset elections, Israeli mobile carrier Pelephone has temporarily changed its network name to "GO VOTE." This initiative aims to encourage public participation in the elections and foster change within Israeli society. The new network name will automatically appear on customers' mobile screens starting Monday and will remain visible throughout election day on Tuesday.
Pelephone management stated that the change utilizes the ubiquitous mobile screen to remind everyone of the importance of voting and exercising their right to do so. Pelephone, one of Israel's veteran mobile providers, offers a range of communication services and is fully owned by the Bezeq Group. The company operates in a competitive market against rivals like Cellcom, Partner, and Hot Mobile, while also investing in 5G network expansion and advanced digital solutions.
Separately, Pelephone is progressing with its planned acquisition of fellow mobile operator ViaCom Mobile. In July 2026, Pelephone signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the purchase, valued at approximately NIS 265 million. Reports in October indicated the parties were nearing a final agreement, pending necessary approvals. The acquisition is expected to significantly boost the EBITDA of its parent company, Bezeq, with estimated short-term synergies of NIS 50 million, potentially reaching NIS 100 million in the long term. Regulatory approvals from the Ministry of Communications and the Competition Authority have now been granted, paving the way for the deal's finalization.
Previously, Pelephone CEO Ilan Sigal commented on the memorandum of understanding, stating it reflects Pelephone's commitment to exploring strategic moves that support long-term growth and value creation.