A wireless network is now providing public Internet access in Havana, Cuba. This may be a historic milestone for Internet connectivity in a country known for restricting web freedom.
The Cuban government is allowing a free public Wi-Fi service at the Havana cultural center and the site is becoming a mecca for young Cubans eager to tap the service.
In early January, the U.S. began allowing commercial shipments of mobile devices to Cuba — from phones to laptops, as well as software and hardware products. The goal, say federal officials, is to spur a more open Internet.
Running at about 2 mbps, the center's service is a bit slow compared to what U.S. citizens enjoy, but there are few complaints.
"I come as often as I can," said 20-year-old Adonis Ortiz, who stopped by the Wi-Fi hub to video chat with his dad who lives in the U.S. "Thanks to this service, I can talk to him," Ortiz added.
The service is courtesy of the center's founder, the artist Kcho, who told news outlets he's providing it from his own personal Internet service. While Kcho wouldn't reveal what he pays for Internet service, ADSL at the speed of 2 mbps can run about $900 a month in Cuba. A recent report states average connectivity speed in the U.S. is about 10.5 mbps and 3.9 mbps on a global average.
"It is expensive, but the benefit is tremendous. ... I have something that is great and powerful. I can share it, and I am doing so," said Kcho.
An undersea fiber-optic cable run from Venezuela went active in 2013 and has been a huge boon to providing Internet service in Cuba, though the government severely restricts use of dial-up and at-home broadband.
According to one media report, nine out of 10 Cubans don't have access to a mobile phone. For those who have mobile and computing devices with necessary connectivity features, the cost of going online is steep in Cuba. State-run Internet cafes typically charge $4.50 an hour, which is extremely expensive, given that the average monthly salary is $20.
