Viewers across Cyprus must switch to a new digital television platform by 1 May or risk losing their TV signal entirely.
The country is transitioning from the old Velister platform to a new system operated by Hellas Sat, using advanced DVB-T2 technology. Households that fail to upgrade their equipment by the end of April will no longer be able to receive terrestrial broadcasts.
Following a tender by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Hellas Sat was authorised to establish and operate the new commercial network. The shift affects only those who receive their signal via an antenna; subscribers to cable or satellite platforms are not impacted.
Hellas Sat confirmed the new platform uses DVB-T2, currently the most modern European standard for terrestrial digital transmission. This technology, already adopted by most European countries, offers superior picture quality, more channels, and more efficient frequency use compared to the older DVB-T system used by Velister.
Affected viewers whose televisions support DVB-T2 only need to perform a simple channel rescan. Those with older sets that do not support the new technology must either purchase a DVB-T2 set-top box or buy a new compatible television.
The transition is currently underway to ensure a smooth adjustment for the public. Both the old Velister signal and the new Hellas Sat signal are broadcasting simultaneously until 30 April 2026 to allow viewers enough time to update their equipment. The transition period began on 30 March 2026.