Traveling to Israel? Better Leave Your iPad at Home

April 15, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke

Some news is groundbreaking. Some news is dramatic. Then there is news like this. The kind that just seems odd at first glance. Beginning on April 14, 2010, travelers entering Israel with an Apple iPad will have it confiscated by customs officials. Additionally, the Israeli Communications Ministry has, at least for now, blocked the import of the Apple tablet into Israel.

Unfortunately, it seems the engineers who made the decision failed to notify Moshe Kahlon, the Communications Minister, before implementing the ban. The apparent lack of communication between Israeli officials appears to be what made a seemingly routine decision and practice much more dramatic, from a public perspective.

The decision at first may, indeed, seem odd, but, when viewing it from a technical standards perspective, it actually makes sense. The Communications Ministry’s engineering staff has yet to certify that the iPad is in compliance with the country’s standards for wireless communication on Israeli networks. While many countries do not have (or do not enforce) communications standards for computers, radios, and other connected devices, Israel does. Much like in the U.S., a process must be followed to ensure they are properly tested to ensure the frequencies on which they operate do not conflict with other devices, which are already approved and, in some cases, have received specific frequency assignments.

According to an article on Haaretz.com, Israeli officials were quoted as saying, “The iPad device sold exclusively today in the United States operates at broadcast power levels [over its WiFi modem] compatible with American standards.” He went on to explain that Israeli standards are similar to European standards in terms of wireless communication. This, in turn, means they are completely different from U.S. standards. Hence, the temporary ban.

Ministry officials have apparently requested the information required to evaluate the iPad from iDigital, the Israeli-based distributor for Apple. Until it’s obtained and the iPad is approved, Israeli citizens will just have to wait. With yesterday’s news regarding the international delay of the iPad, though, it doesn’t seem like there is any other option than waiting. Hopefully, that’s some consolation to Israelis…at least for now.

Source: Beware at Customs: Gov’t has banned iPad imports