THE CYPRUS Telecommunications Authority (CyTA) and Areeba have let their intentions known as they prepare to release subsidised mobile phone promotions and monthly fixed packages in the upcoming market battle.
The launch of CyTA’s new scheme is not without its obstacles. Spokesman Paris Menelaos says: “Areeba have the advantage that they are not subject to regulators unlike CyTA. Because we monopolise more than 25 per cent of the market, we are subject to certain regulators.”
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Menelaos stated that he was hopeful the Telecom Regulator would accept the report drafted last week ahead of their promotional schemes. “We hope that the Telecom Regulator will wrap up its investigation on our costs and new product pricing, after which we shall be able to roll out CyTA’s new promotional schemes.”
CyTA are expecting stiff competition from new rivals Areeba. Areeba is the trade name of Scancom, the company which won a 20-year concession to operate Cyprus’ first private-sector mobile network in an auction last October. Scancom is owned by Investcom, an international telecom group.
A spokesperson from Areeba was quick to point out that the company had no intention of starting a marketing war with anyone.
”We have no intention in getting into any situations with rival entities,” he said. “Our only aim is to ensure that the people of Cyprus are offered good servicing products which most European countries enjoy.”
The Areeba package has already been released to the public, with CyTA’s offer still in review at the Telecom Regulator.
Areeba Packages on Offer
140 350 900 1600
Connection Fee 10 10 10 10
Monthly Cost 4 8 19 29
Units per minute 140 350 900 1600
SMS 50 100 200 300
Min. subscriptions 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months
K700 retail £265 212 186 159 133
T610 retail £129 105 90 159 133
SMS bonus £2 250 250 250 250
SMS bonus £3 400 400 400 400
A call from Areeba mobile to Areeba mobile or landline costs 2.3 cents per minute (1.8 cents off peak). A call to CyTA mobile costs 3.2 cents per minute (2 cents off peak).
Areeba will also be offering a pay as you talk service with users able to purchase cards of £4, £8 and £16.
For anyone wanting to sign up with Areeba, the company has an agreement with Electroline and Hadjikyriacos and Sons Ltd, where they can get connected.
CyTA’s promotional lines are expected to be revealed through the company’s partners of Infotel Germanos, Ailiotis, Megafone and Stefanis.
