The Cyprus Television Market in 2026
The Republic of Cyprus, with a population of roughly 1.2 million people, has a compact but competitive television market. The public broadcaster is CyBC (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation), which operates three channels: RIK 1 (general entertainment and news), RIK 2 (culture, documentaries, and parliamentary coverage), and RIK SAT (a satellite channel targeting the Cypriot diaspora abroad).
The private television landscape includes several established broadcasters. Sigma TV, owned by Dias Media Group, is one of the most-watched commercial channels on the island. Omega TV operates as a general entertainment channel. Plus TV and Capital TV round out the free-to-air offerings with news, talk shows, and local programming.
For pay-TV, two providers dominate. CytaVision (operated by Cyta, now rebranded as Epic for mobile services) is the largest subscription television platform, offering packages via IPTV over its own fiber and DSL network. Cablenet, the island's primary cable operator, bundles TV with internet and phone services, primarily serving urban areas in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca.
Why Cypriots Want Access to Greek Channels
Cyprus and Greece share a common language, cultural heritage, and deep historical ties. Greek Cypriots speak Greek as their first language, follow Greek news and politics closely, and consume a large amount of Greek-produced entertainment. Greek television series, movies, and talk shows from channels like MEGA, ANT1, ALPHA, SKAI, and STAR are as popular in Cypriot living rooms as they are in Athens or Thessaloniki.
The problem is availability. Many Greek channels are either unavailable or only partially available through CytaVision and Cablenet. Sports channels present the biggest gap: Nova Sports (now Novasports by Cosmote) and Cosmote Sport, which hold broadcasting rights for Greek Super League football and European competitions, have limited distribution in Cyprus. A CytaVision subscriber may get some Greek sports coverage, but not the full Cosmote Sport or Nova Sports lineup available to Greek viewers.
Cost is the other major factor. A CytaVision subscription with sports typically runs between 40 and 50 euros per month, and that is before adding premium movie packages. By comparison, an IPTV subscription providing access to all Greek and Cypriot channels, including full sports coverage, typically costs between 7 and 15 euros per month. For many Cypriot households, that price difference of 30 euros or more each month is a strong incentive to explore IPTV alternatives.
Cyprus Internet Infrastructure: Can It Handle IPTV?
IPTV requires a stable internet connection of at least 10 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for Full HD. The good news for Cypriot viewers is that the island's broadband infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years, and the vast majority of households can comfortably support IPTV streaming.
Cyta / Epic
Cyta (rebranded as Epic for mobile services) is the incumbent telecommunications provider. It offers fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections with speeds up to 200 Mbps in urban areas including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Rural areas are served by DSL with speeds varying from 10 to 50 Mbps depending on distance from the exchange. Cyta also operates the CytaVision IPTV platform over its own network.
Cablenet
Cablenet is Cyprus's cable internet and TV provider, offering speeds up to 500 Mbps over its hybrid fiber-coaxial network. Coverage is concentrated in the three largest cities: Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca. For homes within Cablenet's coverage area, it provides some of the fastest and most reliable connections on the island, which makes it well-suited for IPTV streaming.
PrimeTel (Epic)
PrimeTel, now part of the Epic brand, offers fiber and DSL broadband options across Cyprus. It provides an alternative for households looking for competitive pricing on internet without necessarily subscribing to CytaVision or Cablenet TV. This makes PrimeTel/Epic lines a natural fit for standalone IPTV use.
5G and Mobile Broadband
Cyprus began its 5G rollout in 2023, with Epic and Cyta deploying initial coverage in Nicosia and Limassol. While 5G is not yet widespread enough to replace fixed broadband for most households, it offers an additional option for IPTV viewing on mobile devices. The average fixed broadband speed in Cyprus sits between 40 and 60 Mbps, which is more than sufficient for streaming IPTV in Full HD on multiple devices simultaneously.
IPTV vs Traditional TV in Cyprus: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is how the four main options for watching television in Cyprus compare in terms of cost, channel availability, and flexibility:
| Feature | CytaVision | Cablenet TV | Free-to-Air | IPTV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~20-45/month | ~25-50/month | Free | ~7-15/month |
| ISP Requirement | Cyta line required | Cablenet area only | None | Any ISP |
| Greek Channels | Limited selection | Some included | Few via antenna/dish | All Greek + Cyprus |
| Sports Channels | Some (extra cost) | Some (extra cost) | None | Full Nova + Cosmote |
| Use Abroad | No | No | No | Yes, anywhere |
| Contract | 12-24 months typical | 12-24 months typical | None | Month-to-month |
CytaVision and Cablenet: What You Actually Get
CytaVision is the most widely available pay-TV service in Cyprus. Its basic package costs approximately 20 euros per month and includes Cypriot channels, a selection of Greek free-to-air channels, and some international entertainment channels. The full package with sports — including football coverage — pushes the monthly bill to around 45 euros. CytaVision requires a Cyta broadband line, which means subscribers outside the Cyta network cannot use it.
Cablenet bundles TV with its internet service, offering packages starting at roughly 25 euros per month for basic TV and internet combined. Full entertainment and sports bundles can reach 50 euros monthly. Cablenet includes some Greek channels in its lineup, but its coverage is limited to areas where the cable network has been deployed — primarily Nicosia, Limassol, and parts of Larnaca. If you live in Paphos, Famagusta district, or rural areas, Cablenet is likely unavailable.
Neither CytaVision nor Cablenet allows you to watch when you travel abroad. Their services are geo-restricted to Cyprus. An IPTV subscription, by contrast, works from any location with an internet connection — useful for Cypriots studying or working in the UK, Greece, Australia, or elsewhere.
Most Popular Content for Cyprus Viewers
Football dominates sports viewing in Cyprus. While Cypriot clubs compete in their own First Division (with teams like APOEL, Omonia, Anorthosis, and AEL Limassol), many Cypriot fans also follow the Greek Super League closely. UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches draw massive audiences, especially when Greek or Cypriot clubs qualify. Access to Nova Sports and Cosmote Sport — which hold these broadcasting rights in Greece — is one of the primary reasons Cypriots turn to IPTV.
Greek entertainment programming is equally in demand. Popular Greek series from MEGA, ANT1, and ALPHA attract loyal audiences in Cyprus. Greek talk shows, reality programs, and variety shows are staples of evening viewing. News coverage from Greek outlets like SKAI and ERT provides a perspective on events across the broader Hellenic world that supplements local Cypriot news reporting.
The Eurovision Song Contest holds special significance — both Cyprus and Greece participate, and Cypriot viewers follow both entries with enthusiasm. Beyond television, IPTV services often include VOD libraries with Greek films and series, filling a gap that neither CytaVision nor Cablenet fully addresses.
Free-to-Air Television in Cyprus
Cyprus does have free-to-air options. A standard TV antenna picks up the CyBC channels (RIK 1, RIK 2), Sigma TV, Omega TV, Plus TV, and Capital TV. With a satellite dish pointed at Eutelsat or Astra, you can also receive some Greek free-to-air channels like ERT1, ERT2, ERT3, and occasionally others. However, the major Greek commercial channels (ANT1, ALPHA, MEGA, SKAI, STAR) may require specific satellite configurations or may not be available free-to-air outside Greece.
The free-to-air route provides zero sports channels and no premium content. There is no catch-up TV, no VOD library, and no ability to watch on mobile devices. For viewers who want more than the basic local channels, free-to-air alone falls short.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use IPTV with my Cyta or Cablenet internet?
Yes. IPTV works over any internet connection. You do not need to cancel your existing Cyta or Cablenet internet to use IPTV. You simply use the internet connection you already have and stream channels through an IPTV app on your Smart TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device.
Is my Cyprus internet speed fast enough for IPTV?
Almost certainly. HD streaming requires about 10 Mbps, and Full HD needs around 25 Mbps. The average broadband speed in Cyprus is between 40 and 60 Mbps, with fiber and cable connections easily exceeding 100 Mbps. Even basic DSL connections in rural areas typically provide 10-15 Mbps, enough for HD streaming on one device.
Do I get Cyprus channels as well as Greek channels?
Yes. A good IPTV service for the Cypriot market includes both Cyprus-based channels (RIK 1, RIK 2, Sigma TV, Omega TV, Plus TV, Capital TV, CNC) and the full range of Greek channels (ANT1, ALPHA, MEGA, SKAI, STAR, ERT1, ERT2, ERT3), plus sports channels like Nova Sports and Cosmote Sport.
Can I watch when I travel outside Cyprus?
This is one of the biggest advantages of IPTV over CytaVision and Cablenet. Since IPTV streams over the internet, you can watch from anywhere in the world — whether you are on holiday, studying abroad, or working in another country. You just need a device and an internet connection.
How does IPTV pricing compare to CytaVision?
CytaVision basic packages start around 20 euros per month, and adding sports pushes it to 40-45 euros. Cablenet TV bundles range from 25 to 50 euros monthly. An IPTV subscription typically costs between 7 and 15 euros per month and includes all channels — entertainment, sports, and movies — with no contract and no installation fees. Over a year, the savings can exceed 300 euros compared to a full CytaVision sports package.
What devices can I use for IPTV in Cyprus?
IPTV works on virtually any internet-connected device: Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips), Android TV boxes, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, smartphones and tablets (Android and iOS), computers (Windows, Mac, Linux), and set-top boxes like MAG or Formuler. Most Cypriot households already own at least one compatible device.
Ready to Try IPTV in Cyprus?
Start a free trial and see for yourself how IPTV compares to CytaVision and Cablenet. All Greek and Cypriot channels, full sports coverage, and no contract required.