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Cuba Approves First Public Wi-Fi Hub In Havana

An anonymous reader writes that Havana is on the verge of getting its first public wi-fi. "Cuba's state telecom agency Etecsa has granted approval to the artist Kcho to open the country's first public wireless hub at his cultural center. Kcho, who has close ties to the Cuban government, is operating the hub using his own, government-approved internet connection, and paying approximately $900 (£600) per month to run it. Only an estimated 5% — 25% of Cubans have any type of internet service. That is because internet access is incredibly expensive. For instance, an hour of internet access at a cafe can cost $4.50 — nearly a week's wages for the average Cuban. Kcho told the Associated Press he decided to offer free internet at the center, which opened in western Havana in January, in order to encourage Cubans to familiarize themselves with the internet."

4 of 33 comments (clear)

  1. Re:First post - from Cuba by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    But didn't blow a lifetime's savings and declare bankruptcy over a routine medical operation.

    Swings and roundabouts, this socialism vs capitalism thing...

  2. Re:You need government approval to set up a wifi h by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    This is typical of all totalitarian regimes. Even the US is heading in that direction.

    No it isn't. The USA wants you to communicate all you want.

    They simply intend to record it all.

  3. Re:Not clear from the summary or the article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    His ties to the government are probably the only reason he was able to do this. Some people try to work within the system to improve it, so don't discount him right away.

  4. Re:You need government approval to set up a wifi h by PedroDeAlvarado · · Score: 3, Insightful

    It's a fallacious comparison, and a ludicrous insult to the Cuban people who have suffered the opression of a totalitarian regime for more than fifty years.