The Or Yehuda Municipality will be the first local authority in the country to operate a satellite system in the event of internet infrastructure collapse. The system will operate in an emergency situation of infrastructure failure. The initiative included the purchase and implementation of a STARLINK satellite internet kit, which is expected to ensure continuity of operations even in the event of infrastructure collapse and prolonged internet outage.
The Or Yehuda Municipality noted that as early as April 2024, the potential threat of damage to equipment or the network itself was identified as a result of a large-scale cyberattack. At that time, the municipality joined the waiting list as soon as the initial announcement for early registration to purchase the kit was published.
Currently, the system is being provided to the municipal IT unit and is expected to allow operational continuity even in the event of losing one of the most important infrastructures – the internet connection. However, the municipality emphasized that the kit cannot replace broadband internet, but it still enables emergency use and provides a solution until regular operations are restored.
"The issue of operational continuity in a crisis situation is very important to us," said Or Yehuda Mayor Liat Shochat. "We do not take risks, and just as we prepare for various possibilities of dealing with a power outage, we are looking for solutions to handle a situation where there is no internet infrastructure. It is clear to everyone how critical internet use is in an emergency, and I am glad we managed to crack the solution on this matter."
The head of technology and innovation at the municipality, Yoel Levi, added: "We have full backup and continuous encouragement to find creative solutions and responses to every challenge we face. This step places us at the forefront of municipal technology and ensures that even in times of crisis, the municipality will continue to operate and provide essential services."