Rami Levy Becomes First Shomer Shabbos Cellphone Company

Rami Levy Communications, which runs a cellphone service network, became the first such company in Israel to “go Shomer Shabbos.” The company issued a statement saying that it will no longer conduct operations, including service, assistance or other activities on Shabbos.

“Workers have been instructed not to conduct any activities on Shabbos, and outside contractors and services will also not be permitted,” the company said in a statement.

The move goes along with the entry of Rami Levy Communications to the chareidi market. The company is set to offer kosher phones in a burgeoning market, to satisfy increased demands for the Rabinically-approved devices, the company said.

Laws regulating cellphone service firms require that companies provide a service where customers can report lost or stolen phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In its statement, the company said that it had hired a firm that does not employ Jews to handle such situations on Shabbos.

“The arrangement will ensure that all of the principles of shemiras Shabbos will be upheld, while complying with regulatory requirements,” the company said. “We are hopeful that other cellphone service companies will join us in this effort,” it added. “We expect that the public will be very supportive of this move.”