Simply put, the 5th generation of mobile telephony networks-and to be exact, the evolution of 4G technology, through which we achieve the transfer of data in a smarter, faster and more effective manner. It is the fastest and most reliable mobile technology ever encountered, supporting really high speed levels, significantly increased capacity and a fast response time. 5G has been designed as an effective response to high data demand and connectivity needs in modern societies, as well as the efficient support of billions of devices connected in real time (Internet of Things) and implementing innovative applications that will dramatically change the way we live.

As with previous technologies, the 5G network is based on signals transferred through radiowaves between a transmitter and our device. It allows for internet access at particularly high speeds, even ten times faster than 4G.

5G is much more reliable than its predecessor and that translates into a better quality of service.  It takes the time needed for network connection and response down to a minimum, in comparison to 4G, allowing optimal use of applications and services which at the moment are adversely affected by network delays. This spells amazing news for consumers (such as mobile gamers), but more importantly for health, agricultural, industry and so many other sectors that will greatly benefit. To name but one example, just consider the possibilities for telemedicine with such fast response times.

Your 5G device will be automatically connected to the Cytamobile-Vodafone 5G network. On certain devices, the user might need to select the Cytamobile-Vodafone 5G network when they use it for the first time, through Network Settings of the device.

A number of devices not designed for the European market, might potentially have issues with connecting to Cytamobile-Vodafone 5G.

• High speed of up to 1Gbps initially and in future up to 10Gbps with the complete development of the network and the evolution of technology. Just consider for example how a massive 5GB file can now be downloaded in a mere few seconds.
• A very low latency and simultaneous communication reliability at 99.999%. These are features that will gradually take off, lifting the applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality sky high and turning life saving applications such as remote surgery into reality, as well as allowing for live holographic calls.
• The network will gradually be able to service up to 1.000.000 devices per square kilometer, a capability that will build the Internet of Things, where many additional devices, such as cars and home appliances will eventually be connected with mobile networks.

The Cytamobile-Vodafone 5G network is accessible to all Contract and Prepaid Programme subscribers, individuals and businesses, at no extra charge and irrespective of any type of programme offered (RED, FREEDOM, FAMILY, YOUTH, soeasy Plus, Classic).

What you will need is a device supporting a 5G network, certified to the Cytamobile-Vodafone network, install the latest software and be in an area with Cytamobile-Vodafone 5G coverage.

To view certified devices, click here.

In cooperation with all major manufacturers, all previous and currently available 5G models of Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei have been certified on Cytamobile-Vodafone’s 5G network. However, it is possible that some other manufacturers may have enabled their devices to connect on Cytamobile-Vodafone’s 5G network, without Cyta prior running the necessary tests.

No you don’t need to do that, the 4G compatible SIMs are also compatible to the Cytamobile-Vodafone 5G network.

5G network already covers 100% of the population in outdoor areas. It’s available in all cities, tourist areas and other, large communities as well as highways providing comprehensive population coverage.

If you’re using a compatible device and do not want access to the 5G network, you have the option of deactivating your access through your menu (Network Settings).

Not in the immediate future. The two networks will coexist, in the same way as in previous changes in network generations. Along with the 5G network expansion, we continue to invest in further developments and improvements of the 4G network to secure the best possible communications experience for our clients, wherever they may be.

Not at present. To provide 5G network use beyond Cyprus, the necessary agreements need to be signed with every foreign network separately, which is an ongoing process. We will soon add the first countries.

When it comes to Cyprus, we will not need additional mobile communication transmitters. This will only be necessary in countries licensing a 26GHz radio signals spectrum. This particular frequency requires additional transmitters due to the limited transmission of the signal in high frequencies such as this one. The radiofrequency spectrum licensed in Cyprus is at 700MHz and 3.6GHz that do not require additional transmitters than the existing ones.

Absolutely. We have clear and extensive international guidelines on exposure to radiowaves, including  the frequencies used to operate 5G networks. The guidelines were set up by independent scientific organisations, such as the International Committee on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), providing protection to the entire population, particularly and including children from all proven health hazards.

In March 2020, ICNIRP conducted an assessment of scientific research that had been published since the announcement of the latest radiation guidelines, concluding that the spectrum to be used for the operation of 5G networks, does not require additional protection measures.

Find out more

The 5th generation frequencies have formed part of the frequencies spectrum that has been extensively researched for a number of decades. For over 30 years, scientists are looking into possible health hazards from exposure to transmitter stations, mobile phones and wireless communications, including the frequencies to be used for 5G networks.

Research findings have been evaluated by groups of independent experts, who have concluded that there is no conducive evidence of health hazards from exposure within the boundaries of the 5G frequencies and transmissions.

The highest radio frequencies used in 5G networks, are already in use in security machines at airports, police radars, wireless sensors and medical equipment. They have undergone rigorous controls and no negative impact has been established on human health.

Traditionally, every new technology or discovery is scrutinised and met with distrust during the early period of implementation. For example, societies were mortified when electricity was first introduced to our daily life. When cars first appeared, people were running away like mad to avoid them for fear of being hit. The 5G is not a new system-we have been using wireless technologies for decades as means of communication and the 5G is merely one of them. But there is another factor at play here. Social media networks have strengthened electronic communication and contact, but have also facilitated the dissemination of fake news. This latest technology has been targeted by such actions.

Electromagnetic fields created by transmitters and mobile telephony devices have raised increased concerns on possible health hazards, including the possibility of causing certain types of cancer. The scientific community and the World Health Organisation have responded in the most official way possible to such concerns, making clear, after more than three decades of scientific research, that ‘No adverse health effects have been established by the use of mobile phones’.

Around 90% of our exposure to electromagnetic fields is derived from our mobile phone.

A good quality mobile telephony network, with high connectivity standards and in addition the sensible use of our mobile phones are the best ways of limiting our exposure to electromagnetic fields.

In connection to transmissions from mobile phones and mobile telephony transmitters, the World Health Organisation in cooperation with the Cancer Research International Representation, has classified the mobile frequencies transmission in the same risk category as coffee, pickles and aloe vera, the category of ‘possible carcinogens’. This essentially means that after 30 years of research there is no adequate documentation or evidence to suggest that radiation exposure is a cause of cancer.  We might also like to note here that alcoholic beverages, red meat and cured meat ranked higher as cancer risk factors.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields caused by mobile telephony towers is so low that cannot cause even a rise in body temperature. The signal frequencies transmitted by 5G technology are non-ionised and are ranked much lower than the ones that might be considered as possibly hazardous. The World Health Organisation has made clear that there is no evidence establishing a connection between 5G technology and any repercussions to human health.

The radiowaves transmitting from our mobile phone when searching for a remote mobile transmitter, are significantly more powerful (100 to a 1000 times) that those we receive from the transmitter itself. But they do remain lower than those prescribed in the relevant legislation.

Absolutely safe.  This technology is utilising frequencies that have existed for decades and have been extensively researched for possible health hazards. Higher frequencies (between 26GHz and 30 GHz) to which particular reference is often made as being hazardous, have not been discussed for use in our country.

In Cyprus, the radiowaves spectrum that has been licensed by the state (700MHz and 3.6 GHz) are very close to those frequencies that have been used for years by the existing mobile phone technologies and digital television. It is worth noting that home Wi-Fi frequencies operate at 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

The Health Ministry is the one responsible for setting that National Reference Limits and to that end it has adopted the relevant European Union Limits.

The Electronic Communications Department of the deputy ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy is responsible to ensure that radio communication station frequencies (that includes radio and television and mobile telephony stations) are below the national reference levels. The same department is also responsible for establishing the methodology in electromagnetic fields measurements.

Cyprus is perhaps the strictest in the process of confirming Electromagnetic Fields levels, conducting measurements on all mobile telephony stations, in accordance to the relevant national legislation. Measurements can only be conducted by state certified organisations (such as the University of Cyprus) every six months in all residential area stations and annually at the remaining stations.

The methodology is such to include the worst case scenario and is not affected by the time of measurement and/or a possible fluctuation of the stations’ transmission power.  Measurement results are posted on the Electronic Communications Department website for transparency purposes and informing the public.

Measurements have indicated that Electromagnetic Fields levels are dozens to thousands of times lower than the national limits in all areas accessible to the public. To this day, there’s been no recorded measurement higher than the set standard.