Filenews 10 October 2025 - by Vassos Vassiliou
Of CYTA's approximately 200,000 mobile telephony prepaid time phone cards, only 65,000 had been identified until yesterday, a number that corresponds to approximately 33% of the cards connected to the organization. Other providers have lower percentages of total calling cards as well as lower percentages of identification of calling cards.
It is noted that the total number of active prepaid mobile phone cards in force amounts to 417,631 and is the one that was used in the last quarter.
As CYTA's spokesperson, Mr. Lefteris Christou, told Filenews, only yesterday 1,500 cards were identified. However, given that on November 11, those prepaid phone cards that are not identified will be cancelled, it is understood that the goal of identifying 100% of the cards is unattainable, something that Mr. Christou himself acknowledges.
When we noticed that CYTA yesterday sent a message (sms) to its customers (even to those who do not have a prepaid so easy card), it said that this was done in the context of raising awareness among CYTA customers, so that if they know people who have a prepaid card, they can remind them that the deadline is expiring.
Answering another question, Mr. Christou said that some prepaid card holders choose to contract with CYTA with a regular contract, now, something that is favoured by CYTA and obviously the other companies as well.
When asked why someone would prefer the prepaid card instead of the contract, Mr. Christou said that some started with these cards and along the way continued, while others thought that more security is provided when the card is "anonymous".
Others do not want their relationship or contact with some people to be disclosed (in one way or another) and of course, there are also illegals who are also hiding behind anonymity.
Among the holders are elderly people who may not know that on November 11 their phone cards will be deactivated if they do not identify them. Some even if they have heard of it are not able to complete the identification electronically or do not have the means to go to the offices of the companies for identification purposes, so the burden of identification is shifted to their children.
But what happens when prepaid phone cards are abolished and someone did not know him or wants to reset his number? As Mr. Christou explains, for a short period of time, the cards that will be cancelled will be able to be put back in use, provided that their identification is completed.
Mr. Christou also indicated that it is very likely that some of the holders of the cards that will be cancelled will have a balance of money that they used to buy airtime. This money will be lost if the identification is not done, said Mr. Christou.
Holders of prepaid phone cards must declare their personal details (name, surname, identity card) or the details of the company/organization (registered name, registration number).
The identification process concerns all holders of prepaid phone card connections, on any device, including alarm systems, home automation devices, smartphones, etc.
The purpose of the procedure is to identify, comply with the provisions of the Identification of Holders and/or Users of SIM or eSIM Subscriber Identity Cards of Prepaid Mobile Telephony Services Law no. 63(I) of 2024.
It is noted that the relevant legislation that provides for the identification of prepaid phone cards, was promoted by invoking the strengthening of public safety and the investigation of serious criminal offenses.
For those who give false information, in order to hide their identity, a fine of up to €50,000 or imprisonment of up to five years is provided.
