| H. | Intangible assets |
| (1) | Goodwill and brand names |
Goodwill and brand names that arise upon the acquisition of subsidiaries are included in intangible assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, brand name (Bezeq CGU, Bezeq International CGU and Pelephone CGU) and goodwill are measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill and brand names are measured at least once a year to assess impairment.
| (2) | Software development costs |
Software development costs are recognized as an intangible asset only if the development costs can be measured reliably; the software is technically and commercially feasible; and the Group has sufficient resources to complete the development and intends to use the software. The costs recognized as an intangible asset include the cost of the materials, direct labor and overhead expenses directly attributable to preparation of the asset for its intended use. Other development costs are recognized in the statement of income as incurred.
Capitalized development costs are measured at cost less amortization and accumulated impairment losses.
| (3) | Software |
Software that is an integral part of the hardware, which cannot function without the programs installed on it, is classified as property, plant and equipment. However, licenses for stand-alone software, which adds functionality to the hardware, is classified (mainly) as intangible assets.
| (4) | Frequency rights |
Rights to frequencies refer to frequencies assigned to Pelephone for cellular activities, after it won the dedicated tenders of the Ministry of Communications. Depreciation of the asset is recognized in the statement of income on the straight-line method over the term of the allocation of frequencies, which started from the use of the frequencies. The 4G frequencies (LTE) and 3.5G frequencies (UMTS/HSEA) are amortized until August 22, 2028.
| (5) | Other intangible assets |
Other intangible assets acquired by the Group, which have a definite useful life, are measured at cost less amortization and accumulated impairment losses.
| (6) | Subsequent expenditures |
Subsequent expenditures are recognized as intangible assets only when they increase the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which they relate. All other expenditures, including expenditures relating to generated goodwill and brands, are recognized in the statement of income as incurred.
| (7) | Amortization |
Amortization, except for goodwill, brand names (excluding brands acquired in the DBS business combination) and customer relationships, is recognized in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the intangible assets, from the date on which the assets are available for use. Goodwill and brand names are not systematically amortized but are tested for impairment at least once a year.
Customer relationships are amortized according to the economic benefit expected from those customers each period based on their expected churn rate, which results in accelerated amortization during the early years of the relationship.
Estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:
Type of asset | Amortization period | ||
| Frequency usage rights | Over the term of the license until 2028 | ||
| Computer programs and software licenses | 3 - 10 years according to the term of the license or the estimated time of use of the program | ||
| Customer relationships | 5 - 7 years | ||
| Brand acquired in a business combination | 12 |
Amortization methods and useful lives are reviewed at least once a year and adjusted if appropriate.