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Cuba Says the Internet Now a Priority

Posted by samzenpus on from the lots-of-farmville-to-catch-up-on dept.

lpress writes Cuba first connected to the Internet in 1996 through a Sprint link funded by the US National Science Foundation. A year later the Cuban government decided to contain and control it. Now they say the Internet is a priority. If so, they need a long term plan, but they can get started with low cost interim measures. There is virtually no modern infrastructure on the island, but they could aggressively deploy satellite technology at little cost and, where phone lines could support it, install DSL equipment.

5 of 115 comments (clear)

  1. So release the old fart they have in prison... by Lumpy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The old guy there was trying to get internet to the island and they threw him in jail. Let's start with forcing the Cuban Government to take bi-polar meds first?

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    1. Re:So release the old fart they have in prison... by davydagger · · Score: 4, Insightful
      Was he one of the 53 "political prisoners" released from jail right after the US opened their embassy? Do you even know his name?

      Let's start with forcing the Cuban Government to take bi-polar meds first?

      No, its a change of policy. We screamed for years about trying to get the Cuban government to change its policy to a more social libertarian one, and they finally start making moves in the direction, and we call them crazy. No sir. This is a step in the right direction. No need for hostilities.

  2. Re: Incontrovertible evidence by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Things are rough in countries that don't bend over to superpowers. Embargoes and sanctions that restrict food and medications to children are just mean and spiteful. The kids that are being hurt now weren't even alive when it all started. What's the point?

  3. More US hypocrisy by jodido · · Score: 2, Insightful

    The US has blocked Cuba's linking to the submarine cables that pass right by the island, so it's more than a little hypocritical from them to now criticize. Also, satellite is not cheap, compared to cable. Third, there are already a lot--a LOT--of Cubans on line through Facebook and other means. So know-it-alls with your sarcasm stick it somewhere else.

  4. Gut everything and start over by Karmashock · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Cuba has an opportunity to leap into the 21st century.

    The only obstacle is their batshit crazy government. No one wants to invest anything in Cuba because it will just get stolen by the government. And the government is too poor to actually buy anything.

    So there you go.

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