Press Release 24/2020

Cyta begins construction work on the new Arsinoe subsea cable system
Timely contribution by the State was crucial

Having secured the relevant operating licence from the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Works, Cyta is proceeding swiftly with the construction of the ARSINOE subsea cable system.   

The system, connecting Cyprus with France and Egypt, uses fiber optic technology to provide fast telecommunications services. Its operation will contribute significantly to the growing need of Cyprus for international connectivity, in particular for Internet and Cloud services. It also expects to serve the international and regional needs of neighbouring countries, thereby further strengthening the role of Cyprus as a telecommunications hub.

The Minister of Transport, Communications & Works, Mr. Yiannis Karousos, noted: “It is our long-held policy to strongly support and encourage the creation of infrastructures that strengthen the telecommunications sector and consequently the related economic activity in Cyprus. Especially when such infrastructures are expected to be used for the benefit of neighbouring countries, thus increasing the export of services and the strategic importance of Cyprus, with the corresponding political and economic benefits for the country.”

Cyta CEO Andreas Neocleous made the point that investment in international infrastructures, together with the local development of fiber optic access (Cyta Fiber) and the 5G network, is essential if Cyprus is to become an integral part of the global digital ecosystem, which is a guarantee of the country’s sustainable growth. Noting that the support of the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Works has been crucial for the avoidance of delays in the implementation of this project which is so important to Cyprus, Mr. Neocleous expressed his particular thanks to the Minister and Permanent Secretary for the professional and willing response of the State regarding the licensing process. He also thanked everyone in the public service who, through their professionalism, contributed to the successful outcome of the entire process.

The ARSINOE subsea cable system utilises the very latest technology to achieve high availability and durability. The system will be landing at Yeroskipou and it is epxected to come into commercial operation during the first quarter of 2022.

Through Cyta’s extensive international telecommunications infrastructure, which includes numerous subsea cable systems and teleports linking Cyprus with neighbouring countries and other global destinations, the island has established itself as an important telecommunications hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. The new subsea cable system enhances the role of both Cyprus and Cyta as a communication bridge between East and West, increasing business opportunities and providing access to new markets in the telecommunications corridor linking Asia, East Africa and Europe.

Cyta Press Releases are available at www.cyta.com.cy/pr/pressreleases

Press Office
Cyta Corporate Communications
20 November 2020