Internet Usage in Cyprus: May 25, 2005 - According to figures released by Eurostats. Based on figures for the first quarter of 2004, Eurostat says 32 percent of Cypriots between 16 and 74 years use the Internet. Eighty-two percent of Cypriot businesses use the Internet, which is on average 89 percent. In Cyprus the internet is used more by men, with 36 per cent, as opposed to 28 per cent among women, a trend that exists throughout the EU member states with the exception of Finland and Estonia. Greeks are the EU citizens that use the internet less, with only 20 per cent, but the situation in the business sector is better (87 per cent). According to Eurostat, in most countries the internet is used more in the workplace rather than at home. It comes as no surprise that it is more popular among youngsters. An average of 75 per cent or two thirds of people aged 16 to 24 used the internet.

Cyprus is a split country with most of the information in this report describes only with the situation in the Greek area. Cyprus is one of the 10 countries which joined the European Union on 1 May '04, but was slow to use its telecommunications market and connect its legislation with that of the European Union. A number of other operators offer services in the market but state-owned CyTA controls the fixed-line, mobile and Internet markets although its market share recent regulatory developments will ease the operating conditions of alternative operators, encouraging increased competition. Faced with the inexorable certainty of losing market share, the incumbent has expanded services overseas.