In Cyprus, mobile phones now outnumber people, with a penetration rate of 156%, reflecting a shift towards mobile-first communication. Landline usage has dropped by nearly 10% as mobile technology continues to gain popularity, with contract plans offering unlimited data becoming the norm.
What is the shift in communication preferences in Cyprus?
In Cyprus, a significant shift is occurring as mobile phone usage rises with an increase of 4.4% and landline usage drops by nearly 10%. This trend reflects a global move towards mobile-first communication, with mobile phones now numbering 1.43 million, a penetration rate of 156%. Contract plans with unlimited data are gaining popularity, indicating changing consumer preferences.
Shift in Communication: Mobiles Ascend as Landlines Decline
In the sunny island nation of Cyprus, a significant shift in communication preferences has become evident. Recent data indicates a decline in landline usage, which has diminished by 27,474 lines, close to a 10% drop in just one year. Meanwhile, the allure of mobile technology continues to grow, with an increase of 4.4% in mobile phone ownership during the same period. This upswing in mobile usage underscores a global trend towards mobile-first communication.
The Office of the Commissioner for the Regulation of Electronic Communications and Post provided illuminating statistics, revealing that by the end of the year, there were 297,382 fixed telephony lines in operation. This is a noticeable reduction from the 309,000 lines recorded the previous year. Despite this decrease, around 65% of the remaining landlines have transitioned to cutting-edge fiber-optic networks, indicating a push towards modernizing the infrastructure.
Market Dynamics: Dominance and Competition
The telecommunications landscape in Cyprus is marked by steady competition and shifting market shares. Cyta, the incumbent telco, still dominates the landline market with a 56% share. However, this is a slight decline from its 62.7% hold in 2020, suggesting a more dynamic market. Cablenet emerges as Cyta’s most formidable competitor, now securing 23.8% of the market share, a significant increase from 15.5% two years prior. Other players, Primetel and Epic, maintain a stable presence, each hovering around the 10% mark.
When it comes to the mobile phone sector, the figures are even more striking. The total number of mobile devices in circulation has soared to 1.43 million, marking an increase of 17,647 new users from the previous year. Notably, over one million of these are on contract plans, while around 428,000 opt for prepaid services. This penetration rate, standing at an impressive 156%, clearly illustrates that mobile phones are a ubiquitous feature in Cypriot daily life.
Consumer Preferences: Unlimited Data and the Rise of Contracts
With the growing dependence on mobile phones, contract plans offering unlimited data, voice calls, and SMS have become increasingly popular, accounting for 53.77% of subscriptions. These all-inclusive packages are expected to continue their upward trajectory. Despite a marginal decrease for some providers, Cablenet has witnessed growth, notably achieving a double-digit increase of 10% in contract subscribers for the first time. This suggests a shift in consumer loyalty and a competitive market that rewards service innovation.
Although Cyta maintains a majority share of the mobile market at 51.8%, it faces intense competition from rivals. Epic holds a 23.9% share, while Cablenet’s sudden ascent to 10.1% is particularly noteworthy, overtaking Primetel, which sits at 8.8%.
Broadband Expansion: Embracing High-Speed Internet
On the internet front, Cyprus has seen a growth in fixed broadband subscribers, with a 2.2% increase amounting to 7,676 new subscribers over the last year. This growth is partly fueled by the expansion of fiber-optic networks and the subsequent availability of higher internet speeds. Intense market competition has led to free upgrades for consumers, further stimulating the adoption of broadband services. This trend reflects the global move towards faster and more reliable internet connections as essential for both work and leisure in our increasingly digital world.
What is the shift in communication preferences in Cyprus?
In Cyprus, a significant shift is occurring as mobile phone usage rises with an increase of 4.4% and landline usage drops by nearly 10%. This trend reflects a global move towards mobile-first communication, with mobile phones now numbering 1.43 million, a penetration rate of 156%. Contract plans with unlimited data are gaining popularity, indicating changing consumer preferences.
Who are the key players in the telecommunication market in Cyprus?
The telecommunications landscape in Cyprus is characterized by competition and shifting market shares. Cyta remains the dominant player in the landline market, holding a 56% share. Cablenet emerges as a strong competitor with a 23.8% market share. In the mobile sector, Cyta holds a majority share at 51.8%, facing competition from Epic with 23.9% and Cablenet with 10.1%.
How are consumer preferences changing in Cyprus?
Consumer preferences in Cyprus are shifting towards contract plans offering unlimited data, voice calls, and SMS. These all-inclusive packages are becoming increasingly popular, representing 53.77% of subscriptions. Cablenet has seen significant growth in contract subscribers, indicating a change in consumer loyalty and a competitive market.
What is the status of broadband expansion in Cyprus?
Cyprus has seen a growth in fixed broadband subscribers, with a 2.2% increase translating to 7,676 new subscribers over the last year. This growth is fueled by the expansion of fiber-optic networks and the availability of higher internet speeds. Market competition has led to free upgrades for consumers, driving the adoption of broadband services.
