Cyprus’ digital connectivity plan sets strategic objectives for 2021-2025 and includes legislative and regulatory interventions as well as practical support for the development of digital connectivity infrastructure.
Summary of digital connectivity development in Cyprus
The Government of Cyprus encourages the market to invest in Fibre to the Home (FTTH) and 5G infrastructure by providing the incentives related to regulatory certainty and measures. These steps promote cooperation between the providers of electronic communications services, close monitoring of the progress and stimulation of demand through increased eGovernment, eHealth and eLearning services. Public investments can only be used in areas where the market fails to develop and should be carefully targeted, so that they are not a deterrent to private investments. The Broadband Plan of Cyprus 2021-2025 was announced in November 2021.
National broadband strategy and policy
Responsible authorities
- The Department of Electronic Communications (DEC, Τμήμα Ηλεκτρονικών Επικοινωνιών) is part of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (Υφυπουργείο Έρευνας, Καινοτομίας και Ψηφιακής Πολιτικής). DEC formulated and implements the comprehensive national strategy on information society, the Digital Strategy for Cyprus. DEC also regulates the spectrum management, oversees the Broadband Plan and acts as the national Broadband Competence Office (BCO).
- The Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation (ΓΕΡΗΕΤ/OCECPR) is the Regulatory Authority for the Electronic Communications and Postal Services.
Main aims for digital connectivity development
The Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy announced the Broadband Plan of Cyprus 2021-2025 in November 2021. It is a roadmap that aims to strengthen and develop new infrastructure, technologies and connectivity services. The plan includes a set of interventions at legislative and regulatory level, but also actions of practical support for the development of digital connectivity infrastructure, and sets the following connectivity targets, to be achieved by 2025:
- Gigabit connectivity for all main socio-economic drivers
- All premises in organised communities (urban or rural) to have access to internet connectivity, offering a download speed of at least 100 Mbps, upgradable to 1 Gbps
- 100% of the population living in organised communities (urban or rural), and all major terrestrial transport paths to have uninterrupted 5G coverage with a download speed of at least 100 Mbps
- 70% of households to have an internet connection (take-up) with a download speed of at least 100 Mbps
The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (DMRID) is also responsible for implementing the Digital Strategy for Cyprus 2020-2025 that is to accelerate its digital transformation. The strategy, adopted in June 2020, is set to contribute to economic growth and productivity and it aims to (i) achieve the digital transformation of the public sector (e-government); (ii) promote the digital transformation of the private sector; (iii) facilitate high-speed network connectivity; (iv) promote an accessible and inclusive society that has the skills to embrace the national digital transformation; and (v) promote innovation in line with the country’s level of digital maturity.
Main measures for digital connectivity development
Component 4.1 of the Cyprus’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (EUR 53 million) includes reforms and investments that aim to foster and facilitate the widespread deployment of VHCN, including 5G and fibre. The reforms are expected to identify and remove the administrative bottlenecks, facilitating the rapid deployment of VHCN and investments by private operators. Investments support the build-up of VHCN in areas where there has been no private interest thereby addressing territorial disparities of digital connectivity availability. The plan also includes a voucher scheme for individuals, to encourage the construction of their building internal cabling, for connection to VHCN. Furthermore, the installation of a high-capacity internet submarine link between Cyprus and Greece should further improve connectivity.
In the roadmap for implementing the Connectivity Toolbox, Cyprus plans to review the existing national framework in order to implement fast track procedures for granting permits and higher transparency of information.
Data on digital connectivity development and technologies in Cyprus
For the latest data on digital connectivity coverage, subscriptions and penetrations, coverage of different digital connectivity technologies check the country reports of the Digital Economy & Society Index (DESI).
Spectrum assignments for wireless digital connectivity
For details on harmonised spectrum assignments, please consult the European 5G Observatory report.
National and EU publications and press documents
English
- Broadband Plan of Cyprus 2021-2025
- Digital Strategy 2020-2025
- Broadband Investment Handbook
- Mobile and Fixed Broadband Prices in Europe 2022
- Study on National Broadband Plans in the EU27
- Broadband Connectivity Reports and Analyses
Greek
Contact information
BCO Cyprus (national Broadband Competence Office): Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy; Department of Electronic Communications (Υφυπουργείο Έρευνας, Καινοτομίας και Ψηφιακής Πολιτικής; Τμήμα Ηλεκτρονικών Επικοινωνιών)
Address: Department of Electronic Communications, E902, Strovolos, Cyprus
Contact via email
Phone: +357 22814875
Website
Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation (ΓΕΡΗΕΤ/OCECPR)
Address: Ilioupoleos 12, Nicosia 1101, Cyprus
Contact via email
Phone: +357 22693000
Website
