Cytas Free Practices Discounts And Services In Cyprus

Nov. 20, 2025, 10:02 a.m.

Tags: cyta

The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article about free samples, promotional offers, no-cost product trials, brand freebies, and mail-in sample programs for U.S. consumers. Below is a factual summary based on available data regarding CyTA's practices in Cyprus.

CyTA's Free Equipment and Services

CyTA, the state-run telecommunications authority in Cyprus, has been involved in distributing free electronic devices and coupons to various entities. According to Auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides, freebies worth €60,000 were given last year to political parties, former state officials, mayors, and football clubs. This practice was described as reprehensible by the auditor-general, who stated that service needs of state officials should be covered by the government rather than by CyTA officials.

In response to inquiries, CyTA spokesman Lefteris Christou defended these practices as part of the organization's general approach to enhancing relations with customers and associates, noting that telecommunications companies worldwide follow similar practices. Christou claimed that the majority of freebies were given to business clients, with only a small number falling through criteria gaps, for which CyTA had taken action.

Regarding free services to government officials, CyTA initially faced questioning about providing free services to MPs and other state officials at reduced prices. However, Christou denied these allegations, stating that "the only free service we provide the state is free Cytavision for the presidential palace." He explained that this service was provided because the platform carries a large variety of news channels that palace officials need to watch to stay informed on current affairs.

Special Discounted Rates for International Calls

CyTA has implemented discounted call rates for specific international destinations during crises. Following typhoon Haiyan's impact on the Philippines in November 2013, CyTA announced a 20% discount on calls from mobile phones and landlines to the Philippines until December 15 of that year. This measure was intended to help Cyprus-based Filipinos call home during the emergency.

Additionally, CyTA offered customers using soeasy International the opportunity to receive up to 90 free minutes for overseas calls with every top-up, along with a 20% discount for calls made between 8pm and 8am as part of the soeasy Freebies package.

Response to Public Scrutiny

When reports suggested that CyTA had provided free equipment to the President of Cyprus, the utility issued an announcement clarifying that specific equipment given on December 31, 2013 did not concern the current President, who had never received such equipment according to statements given to the Auditor-general's office.

The practices have drawn political attention, with Greens MP Giorgos Perdikis questioning which officials benefited from free CYTA services or reduced prices. Perdikis followed an unconventional approach by addressing the permanent secretary of the Finance ministry directly rather than through standard House channels, apparently to avoid his inquiry leaking to the press.

Corporate Structure and Public Perception

CyTA operates as a state-owned telecommunications corporation in Cyprus. The company has faced scrutiny over its freebie distribution practices, with the Public Expenditure Control committee agreeing to discuss the issue. The company has attempted to set the record straight on reports regarding free equipment to high-ranking officials, emphasizing that their practices are consistent with telecommunications companies globally.

Conclusion

The source material reveals that CyTA, Cyprus's state telecommunications authority, engages in distributing free equipment and discounted services to various entities including political parties, officials, and business clients. These practices have drawn public and governmental scrutiny, particularly regarding the provision of free services to state officials. The company has defended these practices as standard for telecommunications companies worldwide, though they have clarified that the only free service provided to the state is Cytavision for the presidential palace. Additionally, CyTA has implemented special discounted call rates during international crises, such as the typhoon in the Philippines, to assist citizens with connections to affected regions.