Chronology of Telecoms in Cyprus

1992 Cyprus becomes a member of INMARSAT (International Mobile Satellite Organisation) where it is represented by the Authority.

1993 Introduction of the Audiotex Service.

1994 Introduction of the Videoconferencing Service.

Three submarine fibre optic cable systems are put into operation, connecting Cyprus with Israel (CIOS), Greece (APHRODITE 2) and Egypt (the latter constituting part of the international submarine fibre optic cable system SEA-ME-WE 2).

A seventh Satellite Earth Station is put into operation.

A satellite link is established between Cyprus and Russia through a Russian satellite, to serve the ever increasing telecommunications requirements between the two countries.

1995 Introduction of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Voicemail.

CYTA provides Access to the Internet through the CYTANET Service.

Two more submarine fibre optic cable systems are put into operation connecting Cyprus with Syria (UGARIT) and Lebanon (CADMOS).

1996 Two new Customer Service Offices are established. One in Nicosia and one in Limassol.

1997 Introduction of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).

1998 Introduction of the Universal Access Service.

A new Customer Service Office operates in Nicosia bringing the total number to 9 nationwide.

1999 Τhe LEV submarine fibre optic cable system, which connects Israel with Cyprus and Italy, is put into operation.

Introduction of the VoiceMail Service for Fixed Telephony.

Introduction of SYMPHONY, the GSM Prepaid Mobile Telephone Service.

Inauguration of “IRIS Gateway Satellite Services Ltd”, a joint-venture partnership between CYTA’s subsidiary company DIGIMED and the British company “Merlin Communications International”. IRIS is offering satellite turnaround and fibre connectivity facilities, providing a competitive and comprehensive service covering Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Full Digitalisation of CYTA’s network.

Commencement of operation of the SEA-ME-WE 3 submarine fibre optic cable system, which will connect Northen Europe with Far East and the Pacific Rim.

2000 Introduction of the “CYTANET for All” Service.

Introduction of the Short Messaging Service (SMS).

Introduction of the “CytaW@P” Service.

Introduction of the Frame Relay and ATM Services.

Introduction of “soeasy”, the GSM Prepaid Mobile Telephone Service.