Test transmissions of CY‑Alert, Cyprus’ public early warning system, began today, aiming to enhance public safety and strengthen operational readiness in cases of emergencies and disasters.
The first test alerts were sent before noon to the communities of Pissouri and Moniatis, while another test was scheduled for around 4pm in the community of Psevdas.
Speaking on Politis Radio 107.6 and 97.6, on the programme Defteri Matia, the director of the office of the Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dimitris Michail, explained how the system works, who it serves and what citizens need to do in order to receive alerts.
Not an app – how cell broadcast technology works
As Michail clarified, CY‑Alert is not an application, meaning citizens do not need to install any app on their mobile phones, nor is an internet connection required to receive alerts.
CY‑Alert is based on cell broadcast technology and allows real‑time alerts to be sent to all mobile devices located within a specific geographical area, without the need for internet access or application installation. The message is transmitted via mobile phone antennas located across the country and is received by mobile phones within the designated area.
All mobile phones that support the technology receive the signal, which in practice includes the vast majority of devices, Michail explained. Messages are received in the form of notifications rather than SMS, and are therefore not affected by network congestion — an issue observed during earlier tests in recent months.
Tourists or visitors who are not connected to a Cypriot mobile provider will also be able to receive the alerts. The system is already in use in 15 other European Union member states.
What about basic mobile phones (keypad phones)?
As stated in previous briefings by Civil Defence and the Ministry of the Interior, the only requirement is that the device has the latest software version installed.
“This is a simple process,” Michail said, urging citizens to consult the instructions published by Civil Defence or to call the 1490 helpline, select option 3 for digital government services and then option 5, in order to receive step‑by‑step guidance.
Regarding mobile phones that are not smartphones but basic keypad devices, Michail explained that newer models support the technology and will be able to receive such messages. However, in some cases the function may not be activated by the manufacturer, in which case users should seek assistance from the retailer from whom they purchased the device.
Where and when the test alerts will be sent
“The system has been in full operational mode since last week and, if a real alert needs to be issued in the event of danger, it will function normally,” Michail said.
“What is taking place now are tests and checks to see how the system behaves during mass alert transmissions,” he explained. Test messages will clearly indicate that they are part of a test or exercise.
Civil Defence is the competent authority for issuing alerts under Cyprus’ public early warning system and will cooperate with the Fire Service, the Police and local authorities, both for public information and in emergency situations.
According to the schedule issued by Civil Defence, testing will conclude on 15 June with a nationwide alert.
Test alert schedule
- Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 11:00–12:00: Pissouri and Moniatis
- Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 16:00–17:00: Psevdas
- Sunday, 7 June 2026, 10:00–11:00: Argaka, Avgorou and Oras
- Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 16:00–17:00: Foini and Kalopanagiotis
- Monday, 15 June 2026, 15:00–16:00: Nationwide alert for a missing person
