2015 Cyprus - Telecoms, IP Networks and Digital Media

Government looks to privatise incumbent telco CyTA by end-2015

Despite market liberalisation Cyprus’s telecoms sector continues to be dominated by the incumbent, CyTA, which is still fully-owned by the state. However, the much-delayed privatisation of CyTA, which is expected to introduce substantial changes to the market, has been rekindled as part of wider measures linked to a financial bailout package. The government hopes to complete the process by the end of 2015.

Several regulatory measures, particularly in relation to network interconnection and access, have given competing operators the confidence to invest in network infrastructure, unbundle local loops and launch competing services.

The broadband market in Cyprus remains undeveloped by regional standards. DSL remains the most popular platform, with cable broadband restricted to a single operator with a network concentrated in a few key towns. Ongoing investment in DOCSIS3.0 technology may encourage churn from DSL networks in the cable footprint areas, given the relatively slow speed of current DSL options. Alternative DSL operators have taken advantage of regulated wholesale network access, resulting in a steady fall in the incumbent’s broadband market share. Growing broadband usage, supported by government policy, is shaping Cyprus’s emerging internet society.

The mobile market is dominated by Cytamobile-Vodafone and MTN Cyprus, while a third operator, PrimeTel Mobile, launched operations as an MVNO in mid-2011. PrimeTel was awarded a multi-spectrum licence in early 2014. Thus far the operator has only a small market share, but it has placed greater competitive pressure on other players.

Key developments

Government appoints bankers to advise on privatisation of CyTA, expected by end-2015; CyTA’s USO obligations extended; CyTA upgrades transmission capacity on the TE-North Cable System to 500Gb/s; PrimeTel lands HAWK submarine cable; government commits to all premises having access to 30Mb/s broadband by 2020; PrimeTel contracts SmartLabs for IPTV delivery platform, expands IPTV service nationally; regulator’s market data to June 2014; operators’ statistical updates for 2014; recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report

CyTA, OTEnet, PrimeTel, Multichoice, Cytamobile-Vodafone, MTN Cyprus, Kibris Telecom