Golan Telecom

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Golan Telecom is a telecommunication provider and mobile network operator based in Israel. The company was established in 2007 by businessman Michael Golan in partnership with French communications mogul Xavier Niel and brothers Patrick and Gerald Pariente, founders of the "Na'Na" fashion network.

Initially, Golan Telecom began providing services in May 2012 under the slogan "Because You're Not Funny". It uses a business model based on a low and fixed monthly fee for consumers instead of per-minute call costs. This model was previously used by Niel in the field of landline phones in France, where his company Lliad (owner of the leading company Free) offered landline phone services at 50% of the market price, becoming a school in the world of communications in France and forcing other companies to follow.

Golan Telecom's business model emphasizes low-cost pricing with fixed monthly fees, which sets it apart from traditional mobile network operators. The company has been successful in attracting customers with its affordable plans, including a low-cost metered package starting at 9.90/month that includes 100 minutes of calls and unlimited text messages.

The group competed for the license to operate a new cellular network in Israel in 2011 but was initially unsuccessful due to concerns raised by other companies. However, after the failure of alternative groups affiliated with Hizbollah and Michael Gelfen's "Salkut" led by Michael Gelfen, Golan Telecom succeeded in providing the guarantees it had promised in July 2011. It began building its own network.

Golan Telecom has received significant investment from various parties over the years. In 2020, the company announced a partnership with S Group, a technology company majority owned by Israeli businessmen OD Kobo and Roman Abramovich, to expand its services. The deal was reportedly worth $1 billion.

The company's success has been recognized globally, with Golan Telecom being named as one of the top players in the digital world. Despite facing opposition from former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who announced his intention to block a tower sharing agreement between Golan and Partner networks due to concerns over competition, the company continues to grow and expand its services.

Michael Golan is the controlling shareholder of the group with a 50% stake in the company. The company's leadership has been shaped by Niel, who brought his expertise from France and helped establish the business model that has driven Golan Telecom's success.