Cyprus – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Cyprus?

The Republic of Cyprus is served by four principal providers: Cyta (whose mobile division operates under the Cytamobile-Vodafone brand), Epic, PrimeTel, and Cablenet. All four offer a variety of residential broadband and mobile services, and the competitive dynamic among them has driven consistent improvements in both speeds and value for customers.

Cyta — cyta.com.cy
As the island’s oldest and largest network operator, Cyta holds the distinction of being Cyprus’s first internet service provider. Its portfolio spans fixed PSTN, ISDN, DSL, and FTTH (Fibre to the Home), along with the Cytanet Broadband brand and mobile services marketed under the Cytamobile-Vodafone name. As a state-owned entity, Cyta oversees the bulk of telecommunications and internet connectivity on the island. Its plans cover DSL, fibre, and mobile broadband; for current pricing tiers and local availability, visit cyta.com.cy.

Epic — epic.com.cy
Epic, formerly known as MTN, was rebranded following its acquisition by Monaco Telecom for €260 million in 2018. The network has been recognised on multiple occasions by Ookla as the fastest mobile network in Cyprus and delivers a broad range of telecommunications services, including VoLTE and eSIM functionality. Epic’s coverage map demonstrates strong 4G and 5G availability in all major urban centres and along the southern coastline. Both fixed and mobile broadband plans are offered; see epic.com.cy for current packages.

Cablenet — cablenet.com.cy
Cablenet is Cyprus’s only fully independent alternative telecommunications operator, delivering broadband, fixed telephony, and television services through its own cable infrastructure. The network runs on a Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) system that has been fully upgraded to DOCSIS 3.0. Available packages range from single-play (internet or TV alone) to double-play and triple-play bundles combining internet, TV, and voice. For pricing details and coverage, consult cablenet.com.cy.

PrimeTel — primetel.com.cy
PrimeTel commands roughly 10.7% of the market and operates beyond Cyprus, with a presence in Germany, Greece, and the United Kingdom as well. The company channels investment into fibre optic infrastructure and international IP transit routes, particularly those linking Europe and the Middle East. PrimeTel’s network currently serves more than 250,000 premises within the Republic of Cyprus. For available plans and coverage information, visit primetel.com.cy. Always consult provider websites directly for the most current pricing, as tariffs are subject to regular revision.

What types of internet connection are available in Cyprus?

On the fixed side, DSL (digital subscriber line) delivered over conventional telephone lines remains widely deployed and has historically accounted for around two-thirds of all broadband connections. However, the island is in the midst of a substantial infrastructure transformation, with DSL usage declining as higher-capacity alternatives continue to expand.

Cyprus has been moving rapidly towards very high-capacity networks in recent years. Cablenet’s hybrid fibre-coax network passes approximately 80% of premises, and a fibre-optic rollout is underway with the aim of reaching 200,000 premises with gigabit-capable connections. FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises) coverage already extends to 77% of homes nationally, while rural Very High Capacity Network (VHCN) coverage has reached 55.7%.

Much like the mixed fibre and cable infrastructure typical of Western Europe, Cyprus offers a combination of FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home), hybrid fibre-coax, and legacy DSL, particularly in urban settings. The Cypriot government is actively encouraging investment in FTTH and 5G through a series of regulatory incentives. The cities of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos offer the widest selection of connection technologies.

By the close of 2022, Cyprus had achieved 100% 5G coverage across all populated areas, with Cyta claiming full-population 5G reach. This makes 4G/5G home broadband a credible alternative even for residents in more remote locations, where it competes effectively with fixed-line services on both reliability and speed. Satellite broadband via Starlink is also available for properties where fixed infrastructure is limited.

Starlink completed regulatory clearance in Cyprus during Q3 2023 and is now operational, delivering download speeds in excess of 100 Mbps with latency of 30–50 ms. As of 2024, the hardware kit is priced at approximately €175, with a monthly subscription fee of around €50. Confirm current Starlink pricing at starlink.com before placing an order, as both hardware and subscription costs are subject to change.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Cyprus?

Data published by Ookla indicate that at the start of 2024, users in Cyprus were experiencing a median mobile internet speed of 67.67 Mbps via cellular networks. Speeds have continued to climb since then: the Speedtest Global Index recorded an average mobile download speed of 108.97 Mbps in June 2025.

Fixed broadband download speeds average around 95–96 Mbps (median), while mobile median download speeds sit at approximately 114 Mbps — with 5G median speeds reaching 222 Mbps as recorded in Q3 2022. Cyprus ranked 38th globally for mobile speeds and 60th for fixed broadband during July 2024, according to the Ookla Speedtest Global Index.

This positions Cyprus below top Western European performers such as the Netherlands and Denmark, but ahead of the United Kingdom and Japan when it comes to mobile speeds. For the vast majority of expats — including remote workers, those making video calls, and streaming enthusiasts — the speeds available across most of the island are more than adequate for everyday use.

Among fixed broadband operators, Cablenet has recorded some of the highest average download speeds (around 144.9 Mbps), while Epic has achieved the highest upload speeds at approximately 53.9 Mbps. The Ookla Speedtest Awards assess performance using a composite Score drawing on both download and upload data; based on hundreds of thousands of user-initiated tests conducted during Q1–Q2 2024, Epic was ranked as the leading fixed provider in Cyprus.

Connection quality is broadly satisfactory throughout the island. Larger cities benefit from fast, stable connections, while speeds in more remote locations may be somewhat reduced. Disruptions tend to occur in very rural areas or during peak-hour demand on smaller networks. For the most up-to-date benchmarks, refer to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index or the OCECPR regulator’s website.

How do I get an internet connection set up in Cyprus?

Arranging a residential broadband connection in Cyprus as a newcomer is a straightforward process, though there are several steps to work through. Foreign nationals are subject to the same documentation requirements as local residents, with a passport and proof of address being the principal items needed. Having a local phone number tends to simplify matters, particularly for booking appointments and verifying your account.

1. Check availability at your address. Use the coverage tool on your preferred provider’s website (Cyta at cyta.com.cy, Epic at epic.com.cy, Cablenet at cablenet.com.cy, or PrimeTel at primetel.com.cy) to confirm which technologies and speed tiers are offered at your specific property. Availability can differ from one street to the next, especially for cable and fibre services.
2. Choose a plan. Take time to compare pricing, speed options, contract durations, and bundle configurations (internet alone versus internet combined with TV and phone). Most providers offer 12- or 24-month agreements, with month-to-month arrangements available at a higher cost. EU rules implemented locally in Cyprus protect consumer rights, including billing transparency and the ability to change providers within one working day.
3. Gather your documentation. You will generally need to present your passport or national identity card, evidence of your Cyprus residential address (a tenancy agreement or recent utility bill is usually accepted), and your Alien Registration Certificate (ARC) or residency permit if you are a non-EU national. A local mobile number is helpful but not always compulsory.
4. Apply online, by phone, or in-store. All four major providers support online applications through their websites. You can also walk into a retail outlet — Cablenet, for instance, has customer service centres in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca; Cyta branches are found island-wide; and Epic and PrimeTel maintain retail locations in all main cities.
5. Sign the contract. Review the terms thoroughly, with particular attention to the minimum contract period, early-exit fees, and any introductory rates that revert to standard pricing after a specified term. Contracts are typically issued in Greek, but staff at most provider stores will assist in other languages.
6. Installation appointment. A technician visit is generally required for fibre and cable installations. Standard lead times run from one to two weeks after contract signing, though this varies by provider and current demand. DSL activations can sometimes be completed more quickly, occasionally within a few days. Confirm the exact timeline with your provider when signing.
7. Receive and set up your equipment. Your provider will supply a modem/router. Some include the device within the monthly subscription; others charge a one-off equipment deposit or a small monthly rental fee. Enquire whether you are permitted to use your own compatible router, as some providers allow this.
8. Go live and test your connection. Once your line is active, check your speeds using a tool such as Speedtest by Ookla and contact your provider without delay if your speeds consistently fall below the level guaranteed in your contract.

If you are renting a property, it is worth finding out whether a previous tenant left an active account with a provider, as this can occasionally speed up the setup process. A local bank account is not generally a prerequisite for signing up, as most providers accept credit or debit card payments.

Can I get internet access before my permanent connection is installed in Cyprus?

There is no reason to be left without internet access while your fixed-line connection is being arranged. Cyprus offers several practical short-term alternatives that can keep you online from the moment you arrive.

Prepaid SIM cards with mobile data are the most convenient and widely used solution. Picking up a local SIM with a data bundle is an effective way to stay connected while you wait for a fixed connection. SIMs are readily available at operator stores, airports, and newsstands across the island. Bring your passport or identity document for registration at the point of sale. Epic’s “Holiday Internet Pack” is a popular choice among newcomers and visitors, priced at around €20 for unlimited data over 15 days (as of 2025). Standard postpaid unlimited 5G data plans are available from €19.99 per month.

Portable Wi-Fi hotspots (pocket routers) offer a flexible alternative. A mobile hotspot device allows multiple gadgets to connect simultaneously without needing individual SIM cards. Rental of portable hotspot devices starts from around €5 per day, depending on the data plan selected (as of 2024).

Public Wi-Fi is widely accessible throughout Cyprus. Hotels, cafés, restaurants, and numerous other public venues provide complimentary Wi-Fi for customers. More than 30 communities across Cyprus have also benefited from EU funding to install public hotspots in locations such as town halls, libraries, museums, and parks, through the WiFi4EU programme.

For temporary mobile coverage, Cyta (Cytamobile-Vodafone) offers the widest overall network reach, while Epic consistently delivers the highest speeds. Co-working spaces have also become increasingly common in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos — most of which include fast Wi-Fi access — with day passes and weekly memberships available if you search locally.

What does internet service typically cost in Cyprus?

Broadband pricing in Cyprus is broadly in line with other EU Mediterranean countries. The market is competitive and tariffs shift frequently in response to promotional activity, so always verify the latest figures directly on provider websites. The guidance below reflects information available as of 2024–2025.

• Entry-level DSL or lower-speed broadband: Plans at around 20–50 Mbps generally start from approximately €20–€30 per month, depending on the provider and the length of the contract.
• Mid-range fibre or cable broadband (100–200 Mbps): Expect to pay roughly €30–€50 per month on a standard 12-month agreement.
• High-speed fibre (500 Mbps–1 Gbps): Premium fibre packages are typically priced from around €50–€70 per month, again varying by provider and contract terms.
• Bundle packages (internet + TV + phone): Triple-play bundles are offered by all major providers, usually adding €10–€20 to the base broadband cost.

A prepaid SIM card with a 5 GB data allowance costs approximately €10–€20 (as of 2024). PrimeTel’s “Giga Packages” for mobile data begin at €9.99 per month and include unlimited calls and SMS plus eSIM access; an “International Traveller Plan” is available at €19.99 per month, covering EU roaming, 500 international minutes, and 3 GB of data across 26 countries; pay-as-you-go options are offered from €1.50 for 1 GB per day (as of 2025).

Activation or installation fees differ between providers and are sometimes removed during promotional periods. Equipment (modem/router) is typically bundled with the plan or available for a modest monthly rental. Contracts of 12 or 24 months are the norm. Cyprus also operates a Gigabit Voucher scheme that can subsidise fibre installation costs for eligible residents, potentially reducing upfront expenses — check with your provider or the OCECPR website for current eligibility criteria. Always verify current pricing directly with providers, as promotional structures and plan details change regularly.

Are there any restrictions or censorship affecting internet use in Cyprus?

The government of Cyprus imposes no broad restrictions on internet access. The only notable exception is that gambling websites not holding a licence from the Republic of Cyprus are blocked. Individuals and organisations are free to express views online, including via email, and Cypriot law enshrines freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

As a member of the European Union, Cyprus upholds the principle of network neutrality and complies with EU telecoms directives. Robust net neutrality protections, number portability rights, and court-ordered processes for removing unlawful online content are all in place. In everyday terms, the internet experience in Cyprus closely mirrors that of any other EU country — open, with no politically motivated filtering or blocking of mainstream platforms and services.

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are entirely legal in Cyprus and are commonly used by remote workers, businesses, and individuals wishing to access geo-restricted content from other countries. No legislation specifically prohibits VPN use by private individuals, though using a VPN to circumvent applicable laws — for example, to reach unlicensed gambling platforms — would still constitute a legal infringement. As in any jurisdiction, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with local rules concerning copyright and online activity.

Operators are subject to comprehensive cybersecurity and data protection requirements, including security obligations, data retention rules, and incident reporting duties under GDPR and NIS directives. For expats, this means that personal data held by ISPs and online services is protected at EU level — a significant advantage compared with many non-EU jurisdictions.

What should I know about mobile data and SIM cards in Cyprus?

Cyprus’s mobile market is served by four network operators: Cyta (Cytamobile-Vodafone), Epic, PrimeTel, and Cablenet. In recent years, operators have extended LTE-Advanced coverage and completed 5G rollout to 100% of the population. Independent benchmarking confirms that Epic and Cyta lead the market; the Mobile Benchmark Certificate issued by Accenture awarded Epic an overall score of 913/1000 and Cyta 905/1000.

SIM registration: Purchasing a SIM card in Cyprus requires presentation of a valid passport or national identity document. Simply bring your ID, select an appropriate data package, and note that most SIM cards are activated at the time of purchase; store staff can assist with any activation issues. Foreign nationals are subject to the same registration requirements as Cypriot residents.

eSIMs: Epic supports eSIM (embedded SIM) on compatible handsets. PrimeTel’s Giga Packages also include eSIM access (as of 2025). If you are arriving with an eSIM-compatible device, check each operator’s website for current activation procedures, as these can often be completed online without a store visit.

EU roaming: Cyprus participates in the EU “Roam Like at Home” programme, which prevents operators from levying additional charges on top of your domestic plan when you travel within other EU countries. However, this does not mean mobile data is automatically unlimited — you still need an active subscription or monthly plan that covers calls, SMS, or data. If you are arriving from another EU country, your existing SIM may function without extra costs in Cyprus during a short-term stay, but for long-term residence a local SIM will generally prove more economical.

Important note for Northern Cyprus: The Republic of Cyprus is served by Cyta, Epic, PrimeTel, and Cablenet. Northern Cyprus, which is under Turkish administration, relies on Turkish operators including Turkcell and Telsim. SIM cards and coverage arrangements are entirely separate, and roaming charges apply when crossing the dividing line. This article covers the Republic of Cyprus only; connectivity arrangements in the north differ considerably.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Cyprus?

The Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation (OCECPR) serves as the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services in Cyprus, and is accessible online at ocecpr.org.cy. This is the go-to resource for expats wishing to compare providers, review regulated pricing benchmarks, access coverage data, or understand their rights as consumers.

The market has been open to competition since the early 2000s, and OCECPR ensures that the dominant operator, Cyta, provides wholesale access to its infrastructure — including copper local loops and ducts — to competitors at regulated rates. This has enabled providers such as PrimeTel to serve customers in areas where they have not yet built their own fibre networks.

The regulator also oversees service quality standards and may impose penalties or require corrective action if providers fail to meet contracted speeds or maintain adequate customer service. If you believe your ISP is not delivering the service you are paying for, you are entitled to submit a formal complaint to OCECPR. The process is simple and can be initiated through their website.

The Department of Electronic Communications (DEC), which sits within the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, works alongside OCECPR to shape the national digital connectivity strategy. The Broadband Plan of Cyprus 2021–2025 targets gigabit connectivity for all principal socio-economic sites, along with access of at least 100 Mbps (upgradable to 1 Gbps) for all premises in organised communities.

A modern, EU-aligned legal framework covering electronic communications, cybersecurity (NIS), data protection (GDPR), and audiovisual media is jointly overseen by OCECPR and the Cyprus Media Authority. Expats are entitled to the same strong consumer protections as Cypriot nationals, including clear and transparent billing, straightforward provider switching, and enforceable speed commitments.

Frequently asked questions: internet in Cyprus for expats

How long does it take to get a broadband connection installed in Cyprus?

Lead times depend on the provider and the type of connection. Fibre and cable installations require a technician visit and typically take one to two weeks from the date of contract signing. DSL connections can sometimes be activated within a few days. To avoid unnecessary delays, it is best to arrange your contract as soon as your address is confirmed. Check with your chosen provider for current lead times, as these vary according to demand.

Do I need a residency permit or local bank account to sign up for broadband?

A residency permit (ARC or EU registration certificate) may be requested by some providers and can be helpful, but it is not always a requirement to begin the sign-up process. A passport or national identity card is generally accepted as sufficient proof of identity. A local bank account is not usually necessary, as most providers accept credit or debit card payments. If your residency documentation has not yet been finalised when you sign a long-term contract, confirm the provider’s policy on this at the outset.

Is 5G available across the whole of Cyprus?

Cyprus reached 100% 5G coverage in populated areas by the end of 2022, with Cyta reporting full-population 5G coverage. In practice, signal strength is at its best in urban centres and along main arterial routes. Some very remote rural properties may experience limited 5G reception at ground level, even where coverage maps suggest availability. Always consult individual provider coverage maps for your specific location before depending entirely on 5G for home broadband.

Can I use Starlink satellite internet in Cyprus?

Starlink became available in Cyprus after receiving regulatory clearance in Q3 2023, offering download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps and latency of 30–50 ms. As of 2024, the hardware kit costs approximately €175 and the monthly subscription is around €50. Starlink is a practical choice for rural properties where fixed-line performance is poor, though it is generally more expensive than cable or fibre alternatives. Check current pricing and availability at starlink.com.

Are streaming services like Netflix and international platforms available in Cyprus?

Yes, without restriction. International streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube are freely accessible in Cyprus. The only meaningful internet restriction is the blocking of gambling sites not licensed by the Republic of Cyprus; all other mainstream platforms and services remain open. Note that streaming content libraries can differ by country, and a VPN — which is legal in Cyprus — may be used to access content from your home country’s library if desired.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Cyprus?

According to coverage data from nPerf, Cyta has the broadest overall network reach, while Ookla’s Speedtest Awards have consistently identified Epic as the fastest network on the island. Cyta and Epic lead on both 5G coverage and speeds, PrimeTel tends to focus on more competitive pricing, and Cablenet leases infrastructure from other operators and offers budget-oriented plans. For most newcomers, Cyta or Epic will provide the most dependable experience across the island.

What internet speeds can I realistically expect in a rural area of Cyprus?

In more remote locations, speeds may fall short of those available in urban centres. Fixed-line performance in rural areas can range from basic DSL speeds (10–30 Mbps) up to faster VHCN-served connections where infrastructure investment has extended to the area. Rural Very High Capacity Network coverage in Cyprus currently stands at 55.7%. Where fixed-line speeds are insufficient, 4G/5G home broadband or Starlink satellite internet represent viable alternatives.

How do I complain if my ISP is not delivering the advertised speeds?

Begin by contacting your provider’s customer support team with evidence in the form of speed test results (run tests at speedtest.net for consistent measurements). The OCECPR regulator has the authority to monitor service quality and impose penalties or require remedies where providers consistently fail to meet contracted performance levels. If your provider does not satisfactorily address the issue, you may escalate a formal complaint to OCECPR directly through their website at ocecpr.org.cy. Consumer rights including billing transparency and the right to switch providers within one working day are enshrined in EU rules that apply locally in Cyprus.