Cyprus: Decline in Fixed-Line Connections for 2023, Increase in Mobile Users

Cyprus: Decline in Fixed-Line Connections for 2023, Increase in Mobile Users

A Shift in Communications Trends Observed

Data released by the Office of the Commissioner of Communications reveals a decrease in total fixed-line connections for 2023 by 27,464 compared to 2022. Concurrently, according to the same data, there was a 4.4% increase in the ratio of total mobile phone users to the population of the Republic of Cyprus in 2023.

The report highlights that in 2023, the decline in fixed-line connections from the previous year was 27,464. However, connections of the Fiber Optic type continue an upward trajectory, driven by subscriber transitions to fiber optic networks, which now account for 65% of the primary medium for fixed-line connections.

It's noted that in 2023, fixed broadband subscribers saw a modest increase from 2022 (7,676, or 2.2%). Additionally, there was a significant increase (+15.8%) in subscriptions with speeds ≥100Mbps, largely due to the expansion of providers' fiber optic networks and free upgrades to higher-speed products due to competition.

Additionally, it is mentioned that the small percentage of subscribers with speeds over 1Gbps doubled compared to 2022 (2.8%). It's observed that the average volume of data per fixed line in the 4th quarter of 2023 was 0.99 TB, continuing its upward trend, while the total data volume for 2023 shows an increase of 26.5% compared to 2022.

Moreover, the report for fixed telephony and fixed broadband access notes that Fiber Optic connections are the main medium for fixed telephony, with a 65% share, while Cable connections are in second place with 21.3%. Additionally, in 2023, fixed broadband subscriptions showed a small increase (7,676, or 2.2%) compared to 2022, reflecting a high household penetration (94%). Furthermore, it's added that the percentage of xDSL connections decreased by 15.0% in 2023 compared to 2022, while Fiber connections increased by 16.3% to 51.4%.

Mobile Telephony

Regarding mobile telephony, the Commissioner's office reports that, according to data from the second half of 2023, the total number of mobile phone users increased by 17,647 users compared to the first half of 2023.

It's mentioned that contract subscriptions increased by 1.8% compared to the second half of 2022, while contracts with unlimited data, voice, and SMS constitute 53.77% of contract subscriptions.

Furthermore, the report adds that the ratio of total mobile phone users to the population of the Republic of Cyprus in 2023 shows an increase of 4.4% compared to 2022, reaching 156.1%.

Additionally, it's noted that in the mobile telephony and mobile broadband access Statistical Report, the total volume of data in 2023 increased by 111% compared to 2022, while the highest volume of data (50,459 TB) was observed in the 4th quarter of 2023, due to the increase in unlimited data contracts.

Loader