2020 Cyprus Country Report

Telecoms & Satellite Communications
Sector Profile
BUILDING A
GIGABIT FUTURE
Developing high-end networks and
advanced satellite communications
are part of Cyprus’ efforts to build the
foundations of a sustainable digital
future and to strengthen its status as
an international services hub and investment
destination. Local telecom
operators have started implementing
Fibre-to-the-Home connections and have
upgraded their cellular networks to provide 4G+
coverage services, with fifth generation telecom
technologies next on the agenda.
The island already has a fully digital network
with reliable high-speed international connectivity
via eight fibre-optic submarine cables, including
the world’s longest optical submarine telecommunications
cable, SEA-MEWE-3, which
links directly with Southeast Asia, the Middle
East and Western Europe. Cyprus also has dedicated
fibre links to major international Points of
Presence and Connectivity, as well as top-tier satellite
services ensuring all the right connections
are in place. The strategic geographical location of
Cyprus, its established framework for technology
and research initiatives, and skilled workforce are
all key aspects in the efforts to upgrade its telecoms
landscape in line with Europe’s common
digital agenda.
Cyprus ranks 24 th in the European
Commission’s 2020 Digital Economy and Society
Index (DESI), and although still scoring below
EU average, it is gradually closing the gap. The
country has improved in the areas of connectivity,
use of internet services, integration of digital
technology and digital public services. Cyprus
performs well in fixed and fast broadband coverage
and in fixed and mobile broadband takeup,
in which its scores above the EU average. In
fact, fixed network coverage is among the main
factors boosting Cyprus’ ability to benefit from
the digital economy.
MOBILE AND BROADBAND
Cyprus’ mobile network already covers almost
100% of the population, and with high-speed
broadband coverage available to around 90%
of households, the country has been performing
better than the EU average over the last few
years. The target of the government’s National
Broadband Plan 2016-2020 is to reach full coverage
and speeds of at least 100 Mbps by the end
of 2020. The strategy has since been updated to
align with the 5G action plan which is fundamental
to achieving the targets of the European
gigabit society by 2025. By the end of this year,
Already a strategic
communications
base, Cyprus now
aims to become
part of the European
gigabit society by
2025 and rolling
out advanced nextgeneration
services
that are set to
revolutionise all
aspects of daily life.
KEY
contacts
Ministry of Transport,
Communications and Works
www.mcw.gov.cy
132 Country Report CYPRUS 2020