REMOTE MEMORY CARDS

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REMOTE MEMORY CARDS

Below is a selection of remote memory forerunners issued in Cyprus. At the time the only active telecommunications company (and protected so by law) was the semi-government controlled Cyprus Telecommunications Authority.

The only cards that may have been 'legal' are the yellow cards which I presume to have been issued by the UN, as well as the Paradigm card which was used by the UN and British troops in Cyprus.

There have to date been a tiny and sporadic emission of remote memory cards, primarily from private individuals. It is important to note that these cards were deemed illegal by CY.T.A and were after a short while unable to operate. Information with regards to these cards is almost non existent.

1. Yellow Card

To date a small number of these cards have been found with face values of £5 and £10. The information (card and pin numbers) were supplied with the card on a plain white sticker. Both sticker and card were enclosed in an envelope, made from thin plastic. Inscription on the sticker reads "place sticker on the back of the card.

1.1 Yellow Card definitive £5.

£5
Date	Mintage	Expiry Date
????	????	01/01/2001 or 90 days after first use

1.2 Yellow Card definitive £10.

£10
Date	Mintage	Expiry Date
????	????	01/01/2001 or 90 days after first use

2. EuroTeleCard

Below are a set of three "EuroTeleCards". The denomination is in Euro. Considering the production and expiry dates, it may explain why the cards were never introduced. It is also possible that CYTA blocked the entry of these cards into Cyprus as it was at the time the only legal telecommunications operator. Of the cards shown below, about 5 cards of each design are known to exist. If other cards of other designs and denominations were ever manufactured is uncertain. All remaining cards were destroyed.

2.1 Paphos Castle

E5
Date	Mintage	Expiry Date
5/1999	6 250	12/2000 or 6 months after first use.

2.2 Konnos Bay, Ayia Napa.

E20
Date	Mintage	Expiry Date
5/1999	1 250	12/2000 or 6 months after first use.

2.3 Cavo Greco, Protaras.

E20
Date	Mintage	Expiry Date
5/1999	1 250	12/2000 or 6 months after first use

3. Telecard UK Ltd.

With the event of its 2'nd Telecard exhibition, the Greek Phonecard Club - Cyprus, Commissioned Telecard UK Ltd. to produce 400 remote memory cards with 3 minutes of free international calls from Cyprus, Greece and the UK, to Greece, Cyprus, UK, USA and Canada. The cards at the time of issue were fully operational, however in light of CY.T.A. claiming the cards illegal, the Greek Phonecard Club sanctioned Telecard UK Ltd to discontinue the service.


Date	Mintage	Expiry Date
26/6/'99	400	31/12/2000

4. International Cyprus Calling Card.

Not much is known about this card, but it seems to be a debit card of sorts.

By dialing a toll free number on the back of the card, calls could be connected to any country of choice. Calls were billed to all major credit cards, calling cards or USA collect calls.

5. World Net Internet Services.

A short-lived business venture that probably at the time offered the cheapest telephone calling rates in Cyprus. The service was discontinued after CYTA threatened the company with legal action in light of its infringements of the Telecommunications laws ( at the time CYTA was the only licensed telecommunications company permitted to operate in Cyprus).

6.Paradigm Services

Satellite connection phonecards used by British and possibly other United Nations Peace Keeping forces in Cyprus. There are apparently various designs of this card, and have been used in Kosovo, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iraq and other conflict areas.


Date	Mintage	Expiry Date
????	????	end of March 2003