The iPad will now be allowed into Israel. Photo Credit: philcampbell
Two weeks after causing a major international uproar by not allowing iPads into the country, Israel has now lifted the ban as of today. Initially arguing that the American standard Wi-Fi operation would interfere with Israeli Wi Fi operations, Israel’s Communications Ministry reversed its decision on Saturday.
Apple's iPad a no go in Israel. Photo credit: Yutaka Tsutano
If you’re planning to show off your newly purchased iPad in the Holy Land, think again. Israel’s Communications Ministry is banning all iPads from the country, until the iPad complies with Israeli Wi-Fi standards. Customs officials have already confiscated 10 iPads at Ben-Gurion International Airport, including those of people who purchased them in the US and declared them at Israeli customs and paid the additional compulsory 16% VAT for the devices. While owners living in Israel have had their iPads confiscated, tourists who bring them into the country will apparently get them back once they leave.
The Ministry of Communications said the ban was instituted earlier this week because the iPad’s Wi-Fi wireless technology was built to U.S. standard, which allows stronger signals than those allowed in Europe and Israel.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, communications ministry spokesman Yechiel Shaviv said the iPad’s Wi-Fi technology violates Israeli law “and will overpower other wireless devices in Israel.” He also said that once Apple releases an iPad with European specifications the ban would be lifted.
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