Living in Cyprus

Home Internet and Mobile Phones in Cyprus (2026 Guide)

Quick answer

Cyprus has four main providers of home internet and mobile services: Cyta, Epic, PrimeTel and Cablenet. You need a passport or ID card and proof of a Cyprus address for a contract, and every prepaid SIM must now be registered to a verified adult. Fibre is widely available in towns and is being extended to rural areas.

  • The main operators are Cyta, Epic, PrimeTel and Cablenet; smaller wireless providers serve some rural areas.
  • Contracts usually need a passport or EU ID card and proof of a Cyprus address.
  • All prepaid SIMs must be registered and verified with ID; unverified SIMs were deactivated from December 2025.
  • Home internet contracts typically run 12–24 months, and leaving early can cost you.
  • EU roaming at domestic prices applies to Cyprus SIMs in the EU, but not in the UK.

A reliable connection is essential if you work remotely or keep in touch with family abroad. Here is how home internet and mobile phones work in Cyprus, and what you need to sign up.

Who are the main providers?

Four companies provide most mobile, home internet and TV services in the Republic of Cyprus:

Provider What it offers
Cyta State-owned incumbent; mobile, fixed lines, fibre and TV
Epic Mobile and home internet, with wide 5G coverage
PrimeTel Mobile, broadband and TV bundles
Cablenet Fibre broadband, mobile and TV

In some rural areas, smaller fixed-wireless providers may be the most practical option. Prices and packages change often, so compare current offers on each provider's website.

What types of home internet are there?

  • Fibre (FTTH): the fastest and most reliable option, widely available in the main towns.
  • VDSL/ADSL over phone lines: used where fibre has not yet arrived.
  • Fixed wireless: common for rural homes and holiday properties.
  • Mobile broadband: a 4G/5G router or an unlimited data plan used as a hotspot, useful while you wait for installation.

In 2024 the government signed an agreement with Cyta to build very high-speed networks in areas without commercial investment, including remote villages, with the aim of giving every home access to fibre. Coverage still varies street by street, so check your exact address before you sign a lease if you work from home.

What documents do you need?

For a mobile contract or home internet

  • Passport or EU ID card
  • Proof of a Cyprus address, such as a rental contract or a utility bill
  • A bank card or account for monthly payments
  • Your residence document, if the provider asks for it

For a prepaid SIM

Since the law passed in April 2024, every prepaid SIM in Cyprus must be registered to a named adult using a valid passport or ID card. Existing customers had to verify by an extended deadline of 9 December 2025, and unverified prepaid numbers were deactivated from 10 December 2025. Registration is free and can be done in the operator's shop or online. Minors can use a prepaid SIM only if an adult registers it.

How do you set up home internet?

  1. Check coverage for your address on each provider's website or in a shop.
  2. Compare packages, looking at speed, contract length, installation charges and early-exit fees.
  3. Sign the contract with your ID and proof of address.
  4. Book installation. It can take from a day or two to around a month, depending on the provider and whether a new line is needed. In apartment blocks, you may need the landlord's or building's agreement.
  5. Keep a mobile backup for the first weeks, especially if you work online.

How long are contracts?

Home internet and mobile contracts typically run for 12 to 24 months. Installation is often free, but if you leave early you may have to repay installation costs or an early termination fee. Read the cancellation terms before signing, especially if your stay is short.

You can usually keep your mobile number when switching between Cyprus operators. If you have a dispute with a provider that is not resolved, the sector regulator is the Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation (OCECPR).

Does EU roaming work with a Cyprus SIM?

Yes, within the EU and EEA: calls, texts and data are charged at domestic rates, subject to fair-use limits. Roaming at home prices does not apply in the UK or in other non-EU countries, and some prepaid plans exclude roaming. In the north of the island, your phone may connect to networks that are not covered by EU rules; switch off data roaming or check your settings when travelling there.

What are the common problems?

  • Slow speeds in older buildings. Ask the landlord or neighbours which provider works best in the building.
  • Installation delays in summer. Book early if you move between June and September.
  • Accidental roaming charges. Check your plan before travelling outside the EU.
  • Short stays. If you are not sure how long you will stay, choose a shorter contract or a mobile broadband plan.

What to do next

Make sure your electricity is connected first with our guide to setting up utilities, then work through the first 90 days admin checklist. If you are choosing where to live, the area finder can help you weigh up towns and villages, and our expat toolkit collects other practical resources.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best internet provider in Cyprus?

It depends on your address. Cyta, Epic, PrimeTel and Cablenet all offer home internet; check which networks reach your building and what speeds are available there before you sign.

Can I get a prepaid SIM card in Cyprus without ID?

No. Every prepaid SIM must be registered to an adult with a valid passport or ID card. Registration is free and can be done in operators' shops or online.

Is fibre internet available everywhere in Cyprus?

Not yet. Fibre is common in the main towns, and a government-backed project with Cyta aims to bring very high-speed connections to areas without commercial coverage, including rural villages.

Does EU roaming work with a Cyprus SIM in the UK?

No. The UK is outside the EU's roam-like-at-home rules, so check your plan's UK charges before you travel.

How long does it take to install home internet in Cyprus?

Anything from a day or two to around a month, depending on the provider, your building and whether a new line is needed.

Useful resources

  1. Cyta – Personal services
  2. Fast Forward – Mandatory identification for prepaid SIM users (4 September 2025)
  3. Fast Forward – 'By 2026, all of Cyprus will be able to have fibre' (17 April 2024)

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