Cubans expect better technology, increased telecommunication services with support from U.S.
| Autor | Vazquez, Daniel |
The Cuban population hopes that the new chapter in the Washington-Havana relationship will give them access to modern computing and telecommunications devices, better international telephone rates, and expanded Internet service, which is very limited and consequently restricts private development.
The hopes for improved telecommunications are based on measures put into effect this year by President Barack Obama's administration to ease the embargo against the communist government, in force since 1962, and respond to Cuban society's need for more access to information, technology, and international communications. Both countries announced their willingness to begin a new stage of bilateral relations on Dec. 17, 2014.
The U.S.'s newly relaxed measures allow communication devices and computer equipment into the country, which should facilitate telecommunications, expand Internet access, and lower costs. In addition, these measures permit importations of computers, software, cell phones, TVs, memory, and recording devices through both commercial sales and donations. Several interviewees confirmed that Obama's popularity among young Cubans has increased because of these actions.
In a communist state that still maintains strict control of the media, communication services, the press, and publishing in the 21st century, few Cubans have the luxury of the Internet, while only state-run television channels are broadcast, and foreign publications are not available. Unlimited, uncensored access to information and audiovisual materials from the outside is an obsession for many professionals and students.
For years, the Cuban government attributed its communication problems to its financial difficulties and the US embargo. Meanwhile, the fiber optic cable connecting the country with Venezuela since 2013 has not provided the desired public access to the Internet, thus increasing fears that it is official policy to keep the flow of information under lock and key.
The new relationship between Cuba and the US was possible after 18 months of secret negotiations that had at its epicenter an incident involving communications and access to information. In December 2014, the Obama administration succeeded in freeing subcontractor Alan Gross because of his failing health. Jailed in 2009 and sentenced to 15 years in prison, Gross' crime was bringing satellite communication devices into the country and attempting to install them for Cuba's Jewish community (NotiCen...
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