Prepaid phones are dwindling in Cyprus. Subscriptions now account for nearly 80% of the market.

The number of active prepaid mobile connections in Cyprus decreased by 62,800 in the first half of 2026. At the same time, over 99,000 subscriptions were added. According to the Cypriot telecommunications regulator, the changes are primarily related to the mandatory registration of prepaid numbers.

Subscriptions now account for 79.7% of all mobile connections. Mobile internet usage is also growing: in the first six months of the year, 24% more data was transferred than a year earlier. However, the statistics also include the cards used by the devices, so the number of connections should not be equated with the number of residents using phones.

Prepaid phones are losing popularity in Cyprus

The latest data was published by the authority regulating the electronic communications and postal services market, known by the Greek acronym GERHET.

Compared to the end of 2025, the number of prepaid connections decreased by 62,800. On a year-on-year basis, the decrease amounted to approximately 87,000.

The change occurred after the mandatory identification process for prepaid number holders was completed. After subsequent extensions, the registration deadline expired in December 2025.

This doesn't mean, however, that every disabled card has been replaced by a subscription. The data shows a shift in market structure, but it doesn't allow us to track the decisions of every user.

Almost eight out of ten calls are subscriptions

In the first half of 2026, the number of subscriptions increased by 99 150, and the total number of mobile connections – after taking into account the decline in the prepaid segment – increased by 36 350.

The share of subscriptions reached 79.7 percent Compared to the first half of 2025, this means an increase of 6.7 percentage points, not 6.7 percent.

The statistics also include M2M connections, i.e., communication between devices. Such cards can operate in monitoring systems, meters, or devices that automatically transmit data, for example.

The increase in the number of subscriptions does not necessarily mean that exactly the same number of people signed a new telephone contract.

Unlimited packages have a strong position

Offers including unlimited internet, calls and text messages constitute approximately 58 percent of subscriptions.

Their share has declined slightly compared to the previous six months, but this is due to the development of interconnectivity between devices. They are increasing the overall number of subscriptions, although they are not typical packages for smartphone users.

For customers, the terms of a specific offer remain important. The term "unlimited" should not replace checking the terms and conditions regarding speed, roaming, and use of services outside the operator's network.

Mobile internet usage increased by 24 percent.

In the first half of 2026, the total data transfer was 24 percent larger than in the same period in 2025.

In the second quarter it reached approximately 91 thousand terabytesFor comparison, in the second quarter of 2022 it was about 19,000 terabytes — almost five times less.

The growing transfer is related to the popularity of unlimited packages and the increasing frequency of watching movies, using social media and making video calls via the mobile network.

Cyta remains the largest operator

According to the list, the operators’ shares in the entire mobile calls market are:

• Quote — 54.6 percent,
• Epic — 24.7%,
• Cablenet — 10.8 percent,
• Primetel — 9.9 percent

The results are influenced by both changes in prepaid telephony and the development of M2M connections. Therefore, this ranking isn't based solely on the popularity of operators among smartphone users.

The market is clearly shifting towards subscriptions and greater internet usage. However, when choosing an offer, it's worth comparing actual needs, coverage, and contract terms, rather than just considering package popularity.

Sources: GERHET; Politis