Thousands of prepaid SIM cards in Cyprus may be blocked on November 11

Thousands of prepaid SIM card holders in Southern Cyprus risk losing phone service on November 11 due to incomplete subscriber identification, warn telecom operators. The initiative is being discussed at the parliamentary level, with a key participant being the operator Primetel.

In a memorandum, Primetel proposed limiting the block to voice services only, leaving access to the internet and SMS for up to 30 days to encourage completion of verification. The company also suggests a phased disconnection — no more than 3,000 subscribers per day — to avoid overloading support services and mass verification requests.

According to operators, about 400,000 active So Easy prepaid cards were issued anonymously. Cyta has been able to identify roughly 15% of its prepaid customers; for other operators, the figure does not exceed 7%. The Office of the Commissioner for Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation (OCECPR) reminded that identification is mandatory and free.

What is important for residents of Cyprus: check the status of your SIM card with your operator and complete verification — either in the operator’s retail stores or online via the official provider website. In case of temporary voice service block, internet-based communication options (VoIP, messaging apps) remain available if connected. Business owners and important contacts are advised to notify clients in advance and have alternative communication channels.