In 1987 CYTA introduced its first card telephones, which were of the GPT magnetic type. From 1987 to 1990 a total of 29 different designs of cards had been issued, but totalled 96 variations, with regards to control numbers and over 200 if one collected the various control number sizes and variations and positions.

In 1998 the first chip cards made their appearance, and were used side by side with the magnetic cards until the end of December 1999, when the last GPT magnetic phone was removed. GPT cards could also up to that time be redeemed as to the remaining value on the card for chip cards, and the customer paying the difference if necessary. It was during this period that many rare cards came to light, many unbelievably in mint condition.

Remote memory cards officially made their appearance in 2002, as part of CYTA's expansion campaign. The "Comcard" was specifically targeted at Cypriots touring abroad, and offering extremely attractive rates. These cards however are not at all functional for local calls, due to the high tariff. It was also in this time that CYTA produced its first "double system" card, sporting both "chip" and remote memory services.

The GSM market in Cyprus has taken off with a boom. Apart from the regular subscription, CYTA offers the rechargeable option. The first rechargeable service, was the "SYMPHONY" card, which was replaced by the "So easy" service.

The listings for the test cards  on this site are incomplete. A comprehensive listing and accurate documentation is impossible, primarily as so many cards were sent to Cyprus, and the way that they found their way to collectors hands, makes it impossible to verify whether the cards were; test, trial, tender trial, unloaded demo or loaded demonstration cards. What is evident though, is the fact that Cyprus was the dumping ground for many of these companies. Cards that were sent to Cyprus, include cards issued for Singapore, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and others. Even the Engineers test cards that were used in Cyprus bear the GPT control for St. Kitts & Nevis.

CHIP CARD ISSUES

Chip cards in Cyprus made their first appearance in June 1998 at the Greek Phonecard club's first annual exhibition, and were placed on sale by CYTA. It would not be until December of the same year that the chip cards would be readily available to the public. Initially the sole supplier was Gemplus, but as from November 2001, Incard and Namaco were contracted to manufacture the cards.

       A few notes regarding the chip cards of Cyprus:

1. The serial numbers of the cards are in most cases continuous, however it was noticed in 1999 that several issues were not constant. It was brought to our attention, that CYTA authorized a split in some series as some sort of control measure. These cards are identifiable with red entries in the 1999 issues. The cards are identical to the "normal" issue, the only exception is the discrepancy with regards to serial numbers.

2. In many cases, cards do not follow a logical issuing sequence with regards to their codes. This is primarily due to the manufacturers producing the various cards at different times and paying little attention to its sequence, thus we may have two cards issued for the same series, but their codes are not consecutive.

3. The chip cards issued by Gemplus, are of two different kinds. There are chips with red contacts, as well as black contacts. In most cases, cards were issued with both types of contact variations.

4. There exists a variation, unique to one issue only (that has been found to date) It is the £5 Christmas issue of 2001 (#48). A small number of cards have been found with an inverted chip. The cards operated without problem. These cards are of the highest rarity; it seems that only 100 cards have been found

5. Another variation is apparent on card #39, where the black printing was omitted from the front design of the card, creating a ghost effect. Approximately 1000 cards seem to have been minted, but only about 50 have been found.

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