March 28, 2008
Cuba lifts curbs on mobile phones
Cubans are to be allowed unrestricted access to mobile phones for the first time, in the latest reform announced under new President Raul Castro. The BBC reports.
"In a statement in official newspaper Granma, state telecom monopoly ETECSA said it would offer mobile services to the public in the next few days.
Some Cubans already own mobile phones, but they have had to acquire them via a third party, often foreigners.
Cuba's rate of cell phone usage remains among the lowest in Latin America.
Now Cubans will be able to subscribe to pre-paid mobile services under their own names, instead of going through foreigners or in some cases their work places. However, the new service must be paid for in foreign currency, which will restrict access to wealthier Cubans."
Related: - Cuba should expand cellular network - It's currently estimated that out of Cuba's population of 11 million, only 0.2 per cent have access to the cellular network. In effect, most of those are government officials."
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