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With less than a month remaining before Cyprus’ prepaid SIM card verification deadline, most mobile users have yet to complete the required registration, raising concerns that thousands could lose service.
Cyta, the country’s largest telecommunications provider, reported that only about 35 percent of its roughly 200,000 active prepaid connections have been verified. Lefteris Christou, a company spokesperson, said the number is rising but remains well below expectations.
Speaking on the radio program Diaspora News, Christou said the verification process was introduced for security reasons, following police reports linking the use of unregistered prepaid SIM cards to criminal activity. “It is crucial that users act quickly to avoid service interruptions,” he added.
All prepaid card holders are required to register. This includes individuals using the cards for personal calls, messaging, and internet, as well as businesses and organizations deploying prepaid cards in devices such as elevators, alarm systems, vending machines, unmanned vehicles, and IoT equipment. Adults must verify cards for themselves and for any minors.
Verification is free, does not require changing numbers or SIM cards, and can be completed at retail outlets or online via mobile service providers’ official websites. Cards that remain unverified after the November 10 deadline will be automatically deactivated, blocking access to calls, messages, and mobile data.
