New emergency SMS system test: messages to be sent by province

On Friday evening, March 6, a new test of the emergency SMS alert system will take place in Cyprus. According to available information, the dispatch of messages will begin around 17:00; however, this time, notifications will be delivered by province rather than to all residents of the island simultaneously.

Initially, it was planned that only residents of Paphos would receive the test, as real-life emergencies usually affect a specific region rather than the entire island. Previously, when attempts were made to message all citizens at once, delays occurred, and some people did not receive it at all.

It is also reported that SIM card owners without a registered address will receive the message slightly earlier — around 16:30.

Later it was announced that residents of all regions will eventually receive the test message, but at different times:

• SIM cards without address — 16:30
• Paphos — 17:00
• Famagusta — 17:30
• Nicosia — 18:00
• Larnaca — 18:30
• Limassol — 19:00

The message text will specify which province the potential emergency relates to. The distribution will be carried out based on the address the subscriber provided to their mobile operator.