Telecoms & Satellite Communications Guide Cyprus

CyprusProfile Digital Series
Telecoms & Satellite Communication
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.
Currently, Cyprus ranks first in the world in mobile speed growth, while its mobile
speed reached 63.18 Mbps and further improved by 155% since the beginning of
the pandemic. The island ranks 35 th globally in the DQL Index (Digital Quality of
Life), calculated by looking at the impact of internet affordability, internet quality,
e-infrastructure, e-security and e-government. Internet quality was a particularly
strong feat, where Cyprus ranked 15 th out of 110 countries, but lower on internet
affordability where it was 57 th .
In fact, state-owned Cyta was awarded as Europe’s fastest network for Q2 and
Q3 in 2021, after stiff competition from dozens of networks across the continent.
Thousands of measurements were carried out as part of the process to announce a
winner, where the speed of various networks was tested.
Across the EU, Cyprus was in first place along with the Netherlands for the share
of population who streamed TV or videos in 2020, at 95%. Over 30 Cypriot communities
have received EU funding to cover the cost of installing Wi-Fi hotspots
in public spaces, including town halls, public libraries, museums, public parks or
Key Players
Cyta
Cytaglobal
Epic
Cablenet
PrimeTel
Hellas Sat
squares. The WiFi4EU initiative is part of the ambitious overhaul
of EU telecoms rules, including new measures to meet
Europeans’ growing connectivity needs and to boost Europe’s
competitiveness.
Competition among various operators has resulted in
a good offering of high-speed broadband access services
throughout the island. However, according to the European
Commission, prices for mobile broadband in Cyprus are more
expensive than the EU average. The government has a Cyprus
Broadband Plan 2021-2025, which was prepared by the
Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy
after consultation with all stakeholders. It is described as a roadmap for Cyprus to
develop targeted actions and make effective use of available financial tools nationwide
and on a European level, including the Recovery and Sustainability Fund.
State-owned operator Cyta continues to dominate the market offering a full
range of telecommunications services. Following a government decision, Cyta is
now required to denationalise its business to transform it into a more flexible and
competitive telecoms firm, which presents an opportunity for foreign investors.
The guidelines demand the company explore all options to achieve the end goal,
whether it be through selling shares, creating privately owned subsidiaries or to
privatise through a strategic partner or investor. The second largest operator is
Epic, formerly MTN which was rebranded after a Monaco Telecom S.A. buy-out
for €260 million in 2018. Other key players with a prominent role in the telecoms
landscape are PrimeTel and Cablenet, a subsidiary of Maltese Go Plc which has
increased its profits and expanded its customer base over the last few years.
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