Published: 2026-10-10
Cyprus TV on 10 October: the switch has started. What to do now
It has already started. From today the private channels are moving to the new frequencies and the old transmitters will switch off one by one. Nobody has announced when yours will switch off. If you haven't retuned or don't have a DVB-T2 receiver, you may lose the picture. In July many households that waited until the last moment were left without channels, and the Hellas Sat call centre took 1,600 calls in one day. Don't wait.
Short answer: From Saturday 10 October 2026, Cyprus's private TV channels start moving to the new Hellas Sat DVB-T2 frequencies. If your TV supports DVB-T2, an automatic retune is enough. If it is older, you need a DVB-T2 decoder.
What is happening today
According to Phileleftheros (Philenews, 8 October 2026), 10 October is the second attempt at the switch to next-generation digital terrestrial TV, after the problems of the summer. A Hellas Sat spokesperson described the switch as "smooth and gradual".
What this means in practice:
- The old Velister network is not switching off all at once today. Small transmitters that affect few viewers go first. The large transmitters follow, with Vavatsinia and Madari last.
- The aim is to finish before the Christmas period, with room until November. No strict timetable has been announced.
- Anyone who hasn't retuned may lose the picture as the old transmitters in their area switch off.
Why there is a second attempt
The switch officially began on 1 July 2026. Many households couldn't watch channels. On 10 July the Department of Electronic Communications switched the old Velister network back on for three more months, so people with problems had time to sort them out. That period is now ending. Read more in Why Cyprus digital TV changed.
What to do: 3 simple steps
- Check whether your TV supports DVB-T2. TVs made after about 2017 usually do. See the check guide.
- Run an automatic channel search (Menu → Settings → Auto search → Antenna/DVB-T → Save).
- If no channels appear, check the antenna direction, cables and connections. Hellas Sat says these three fix most problems.
Step-by-step fixes: No channels? The troubleshooting guide.
Do I need a decoder?
If your TV is old and doesn't support DVB-T2, yes. Reports put the cost at around €30–35, while Hellas Sat has mentioned a wider range of €20–50. A decoder costs far less than a new TV and connects with HDMI. See the easytvcy packages.
Hellas Sat estimates that not many old sets need a decoder, so check first, then buy. The compatibility check helps with that.
The new channels and frequencies
| Old network (Velister) | New network (Hellas Sat DVB-T2) | |
|---|---|---|
| UHF channels | 21 and 30 (free Famagusta: 39 and 41) | 35 and 48 (free Famagusta: 23 and 26) |
Where to get help
Hellas Sat call centre: 22 000 737, daily 09:00–21:00. Website: hellas-sat.digital.
Frequently asked questions
Will I pay for the channels? No. The channels stay free. There is a cost only if you need a decoder or a new TV.
Do I need a new antenna? Usually not. The transmitters are in the same places, but old cables or amplifiers can cause problems.
Will I lose channels? No, the same channels come back after retuning.
Is the change compulsory? Yes, the old network will switch off gradually.
Sources: Philenews (8/10/2026, 10/7/2026), Hellas Sat FAQ, Department of Electronic Communications.
Do you need a decoder?
Take the two-minute check. If your TV is compatible, we'll tell you not to buy anything.
