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Cuba Starts Rolling Out Internet on Mobile Phones (reuters.com)

Communist-run Cuba has started providing internet on the mobile phones of select users as it aims to roll out the service nationwide by year-end, in a further step toward opening one of the Western Hemisphere's least connected countries. From a report: Journalists at state-run news outlets were among the first this year to get mobile internet, provided by Cuba's telecoms monopoly, as part of a wider campaign for greater internet access that new President Miguel Diaz-Canel has said should boost the economy and help Cubans defend their revolution. Analysts said broader web access will also ultimately weaken the government's control of what information reaches people in the one-party island state that has a monopoly on the media. Cuba frowns on public dissent and blocks access to dissident websites.

54 comments

  1. Communism by nwaack · · Score: 1

    In Soviet Cuba, phone connects to you...wait. Nevermind.

    1. Re:Communism by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In Soviet Cuba, phone connects to you...wait. Nevermind.

      10 years later after CAPITALIST countries did it.

      Hoo-ray! Socialism!

      Oh, wait. It failed. It couldn't have been TRUE Socialism.

      Meanwhile, the latest Socialist craze from NYC thinks "low unemployment is a problem because everyone's working two jobs.":

      WATCH: Ocasio-Cortez Says Low Unemployment Is 'Part Of The Problem,' Makes False Claims

      During the interview, Ocasio-Cortez also made troubling remarks about the U.S. economy after Hoover noted that the economy under the Trump administration is strong with an unemployment rate hovering around 4%.

      "Well, I think, the numbers that you just talked about is part of the problem," Ocasio-Cortez replied. "Because we look at these figures and we say 'unemployment is low, everything is fine, right?'"

      "Well, unemployment is low because everyone has two jobs," Ocasio-Cortez falsely stated.

      I give you the new face of the Democratic Party.

      She's dumb enough to say what the morons that make up the Democratic Party base actually wants.

    2. Re:Communism by PopeRatzo · · Score: 0

      10 years later after CAPITALIST countries did it.

      In 2013, SpaceX launched a satellite into space, only 56 years after a Socialist country did it.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    3. Re:Communism by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      10 years later after CAPITALIST countries did it.

      In 2013, SpaceX launched a satellite into space, only 56 years after a Socialist country did it.

      And that Socialist country used technology lifted from Nazi Germany. I guess that makes the Nazis Socialist then?

      And of course, that so-called Socialist country utterly failed and no longer exists after Ronald Reagan caused them to run out of other people's money. Which makes them NOT TRUE SOCIALISTS, right?

      And again PopeRatzo displays a complete inability to think one step beyond his knee-jerk regurgitation of leftist bullshit.

    4. Re:Communism by MightyMartian · · Score: 1, Insightful

      You do understand, I trust, that the American space program greatly benefited from German scientists hustled into the country after the war. Werner von Braun ring any bells. Both the Americans and the Soviets plundered the wreckage of Nazi Germany for its technological innovations, and in particular for aeronautics technology. Whether it was guided missiles or jet aircraft, the Germans had come a lot further in their research and development in these areas.

      --
      The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
    5. Re:Communism by Max_W · · Score: 1

      It is true, still the Third Reich rockets did not fly into space. Not even close. And the Sturmgewehr was not a reliable system at all.

      Yes, there was a significant contribution, but the input of Soviet and American engineers and scientists shall not be underestimated.

    6. Re:Communism by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You do understand, I trust, that the American space program greatly benefited from German scientists hustled into the country after the war. Werner von Braun ring any bells. Both the Americans and the Soviets plundered the wreckage of Nazi Germany for its technological innovations, and in particular for aeronautics technology. Whether it was guided missiles or jet aircraft, the Germans had come a lot further in their research and development in these areas.

      Sure, I do.

      But PopeRatzo (DopePatzo) was trying to pass off using stolen Nazi technology as some sort of Socialist triumph.

    7. Re:Communism by MightyMartian · · Score: 1

      While von Braun wanted to go into space, the Nazis were interested solely in military applications. And so, really, where the Americans and Soviets. The space program was as much about developing ICBMs as it was about putting monkeys and humans in space.

      --
      The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
    8. Re: Communism by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What?

    9. Re:Communism by Srin+Tuar · · Score: 0

      Do you really think its completely impossible for any place, any country, and society at all to escape poverty unless they can trade directly with the united states?

      If uncle same averts his gaze from you and shuns you, do you fall into the stone age, and build a prison island wherein it is illegal to escape or complain about the conditions?

      Maybe, just maybe trading with the vast majority of the world, even receiving massive subsidies from friendly countries, should be more than enough for any nation to succeed or fail on its own merit.

      Once again, socialism only has itself to blame.

    10. Re:Communism by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      You're replying to a clear and obvious troll attempt.. But then again, it's not like there was an embargo (that was absolutely not imposed by a capitalist country either) that kept Cuba at a level of development from 1950, and led to wide spread poverty. Totes didn't happen.

      Yep blame socialism. (Though blaming socialism is usually the right answer.. just not in this case.)

      Sure it is.

      Let's split a country in two. Make one side capitalist, the other side socialist. Then come back in 70 years and see what happened.

      List of countries by gross national income per capita:

      South Korea: 28
      North Korea: no data

      List of countries by per capita purchasing power:

      15: South Korea
      118 North Korea

    11. Re:Communism by rogoshen1 · · Score: 2

      So the embargo did absolutely nothing to the GDP or living conditions in Cuba?

      Okay.

    12. Re:Communism by mjwx · · Score: 1

      You do understand, I trust, that the American space program greatly benefited from German scientists hustled into the country after the war. Werner von Braun ring any bells. Both the Americans and the Soviets plundered the wreckage of Nazi Germany for its technological innovations, and in particular for aeronautics technology. Whether it was guided missiles or jet aircraft, the Germans had come a lot further in their research and development in these areas.

      Go back even further than that... the only reason the western allies won the war was because our German scientists were better than their German scientists.

      --
      Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
  2. Too much Ego in government. by jellomizer · · Score: 1

    The problem is there is too much Ego in government and not enough listening. Nearly every decision will have trade offs, many of them may not be predictable and at what scale until after it has happen. Governments if they are actually working for the people and not themselves should be able to listen to the decent that is in place and learn from it. Punishing descent will only hide the problems from the government and many people can suffer, because sometimes a small tweak to a decision may make the opposite sides life much better without going too far away from your core direction.

    --
    If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
  3. Backwards by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

    This is not going to solve the problem of people risking their own lives and their families lives to flee the country.

    FREEDOM will solve the problem.

    The government should spend less of its attention on SIFTING OUT people's hard earned money and propping up bread-and-circus access to celebutard news media and more of its attention on releasing political prisoners and letting people start businesses.

    That will get people out of poverty. If they just expanded individual freedom outside currency would POUR in from the US and people would have much better conditions and jobs quickly.

    1. Re:Backwards by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is not going to solve the problem of people risking their own lives and their families lives to flee the country.

      FREEDOM will solve the problem.

      The government should spend less of its attention on SIFTING OUT people's hard earned money and propping up bread-and-circus access to celebutard news media and more of its attention on releasing political prisoners and letting people start businesses.

      That will get people out of poverty. If they just expanded individual freedom outside currency would POUR in from the US and people would have much better conditions and jobs quickly.

      nice imperialist view.

      take a trip to cuba sometime and find some clues there.

    2. Re:Backwards by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is not going to solve the problem of people risking their own lives and their families lives to flee the country.

      FREEDOM will solve the problem.

      The government should spend less of its attention on SIFTING OUT people's hard earned money and propping up bread-and-circus access to celebutard news media and more of its attention on releasing political prisoners and letting people start businesses.

      That will get people out of poverty. If they just expanded individual freedom outside currency would POUR in from the US and people would have much better conditions and jobs quickly.

      nice imperialist view.

      take a trip to cuba sometime and find some clues there.

      Nice brain-dead regurgitation of Communist propaganda.

      It's also nice to know you're against freedom because you think it's "imperialist".

    3. Re:Backwards by lucasnate1 · · Score: 0

      Oh, the wonders of american freedom, the freedom to die from a disease in the street, uncared for. I think I'll take german "stalinism" over this one, thank you very much.

    4. Re:Backwards by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

      Americans have a much higher standard of living and generally don't think they are owed food and health care.

      I think Germany and Cuba would be better to follow America's model.

      Also Germany and New Mexico should eject all the cartels and jihadists killing and raping without recourse.

    5. Re:Backwards by lucasnate1 · · Score: 1

      I prefer social solidarity over gadgets. I prefer welfare over freedom.

    6. Re:Backwards by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

      >> I prefer welfare over freedom.

      You should be able to do what you prefer.

      Me, I don't prefer that.

      Each of us should be able to pursue happiness as we are entitled by the Declaration of Independence.

      Civilly speaking, my preferences should be just as valid as yours.

      Unless you're a king or tyrant or whatever.

    7. Re:Backwards by lucasnate1 · · Score: 1

      It may surprise you, american, but I have never signed your declaration of independence, nor do I live in your country, nor do I respect what your culture has become.

    8. Re:Backwards by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

      Not living in America is an accomplishment then?

      I suppose I do agree with you in that you've probably had to make do with more challenges and less opportunity.

      Acknowledging that ... I think you should be ready to part with your struggles and embrace freedom.

  4. gonna get myself connected... by bugs2squash · · Score: 1

    This only works if the phone has an eSATAp connector to plug the internet drive into.

    --
    Nullius in verba
    1. Re:gonna get myself connected... by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

      at $40-60 for 5Gb and then $15-$25 GB after that maybe not.

  5. eSamizdat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Samizdat help to topple other communist governments. Today, it's much easier with the Internet. Expect big changes in Cuba, shortly.

    1. Re:eSamizdat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      cuba is behind a national firewall

  6. Cuba frowns on public dissent by xxxJonBoyxxx · · Score: 4, Insightful

    >> Cuba frowns on public dissent

    Where "frowns" equals "has killed tens of thousands of people in the name of political correctness"

    https://www.quora.com/How-many-deaths-was-Fidel-Castro-responsible-for

    1. Re:Cuba frowns on public dissent by HeckRuler · · Score: 1

      No comrade, with time you will learn that under that mustache, Big Brother is smiling.

    2. Re:Cuba frowns on public dissent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just look at that smile though, couldn't be that bad?
      https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7f/7b/48/7f7b4871d4845da307d4ebcd4e350553.jpg

    3. Re:Cuba frowns on public dissent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You know nothing about Cuba or their revolution to expunge the US installed Batista regime, nor do you understand what it takes to protect the revolution from American subversion. Just how many deaths was our last president responsible for? Or the one before that? Or the one before that? What is more justified to you: bloodshed to protect capital and markets or bloodshed to protect a sovereign nation from foreign control? I think we just celebrated a holiday for the latter.

    4. Re:Cuba frowns on public dissent by El+Cubano · · Score: 1

      Where "frowns" equals "has killed tens of thousands of people in the name of political correctness"

      Which makes me wonder ...

      All the people upset about Trump in Helsinki, where were they when Obama was cozying up to Castro and reestablishing diplomatic relations with Cuba without so much a stern word about their appalling human rights practices?

      Asking for a friend.

    5. Re:Cuba frowns on public dissent by datavirtue · · Score: 1

      Someone should tell them about fake news. Like every other third world country they are going to buy a cell phone, get on the internet, and something is going to blow up because the population sees and believes a fake news post. Welcome to Myanmar Facebook 2.0.

      --
      I object to power without constructive purpose. --Spock
    6. Re:Cuba frowns on public dissent by datavirtue · · Score: 1

      Open up Cuba and the human rights violations will fade. They are ready and willing to join our world.

      --
      I object to power without constructive purpose. --Spock
  7. Is this a good thing? by lucasnate1 · · Score: 1

    Is this a good thing?

    1. Re:Is this a good thing? by WoodstockJeff · · Score: 1

      Yes! Everyone knows that cute cat videos will save the world!

    2. Re:Is this a good thing? by jellomizer · · Score: 2

      For the most part it is. However Cuba track record on these type of things, means we should a world population keep an eye on it to see the ramifications of this.

      --
      If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
    3. Re:Is this a good thing? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Cuba should nix the whole mobile internet thing as a bad idea. Since access to the grid has caused nothing but problems while slowly marching humanity off the cliff into the abyss. Instead they should start marketing their country as a tourist destination where you can relax on their beaches and enjoy the night life without the annoying interruptions that being on the grid generates. With no easy access even those addicted to their phones are forced to go cold turkey and experience the real world instead viewing the world through the distorted and carefully shaped views of the online mobs.

  8. Sounds like a job... by HeckRuler · · Score: 1

    This sounds like a job... for BATMAN!

    I mean, maybe. I dunno. Low connectivity with only a few points actually having a connection and everyone else running adhoc wireless sharing one common resource DOES sound pretty communistic. But I really just wanted to say the line about batman.

  9. Gotta make Communist the first word, because, by RickyShade · · Score: 1

    you know, that's what's really important here.

  10. Just keep the Americans out by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    they would wreak havoc in your society and economy, if you let them into your networks in any form, be it Cisco, Google, or whatever.

  11. corychristison by corychristison · · Score: 1

    Thats about what we pay here in Canada.

  12. They shall probably roll it back as soon as they by Max_W · · Score: 1

    start reading fake news.

  13. Actually better services helps goverment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    People want services like everyone else in the world. Cuba isnâ(TM)t North Korea it has some connection to the outside world. If the communist government provides better services this could be a positive for the people of Cuba. China is another good example of being controlling but also providing people with services. Not every country will ever be as open as the US or mirror itâ(TM)s government. I hope the Cuban people get access to modern technologies which can only drive more tourism.

  14. Media control by manu0601 · · Score: 1

    Analysts said broader web access will also ultimately weaken the government's control of what information reaches people in the one-party island state that has a monopoly on the media.

    Cuban can already get any news they want from foreign radio./p

  15. Joke is on Cuba by AHuxley · · Score: 1

    With mass communications comes the NSA, CIA, GCHQ, MI6 and a color revolution. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

    All the US backed protest organizing can now be funded and directed on secure networks.
    The NSA is going to use the new communications networks to secure communications between neighborhood protest committees.

    In every neighborhood, Color Revolution.

    --
    Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
  16. Oh Goody by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I wonder if state run company in the PRC is providing the infrastructure and WeChat access.

  17. There's a trumpo in this article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    There a typo in this article. It's says this policy with weaken the government, but actually citizens carrying around tracking devices that monitor what your read and write enhances government control. Just a minor trumpo.

  18. Welcome by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Welcome to the eternal September.

    Price Castro has died and left a substantial fortune that I need to smuggle out of the country. I will cut you in for 25% if you can provide me a bank account number to transfer funds to smuggle it out of the country.

  19. Sorry Cuba, you can't protect your revolution. by sabbede · · Score: 1

    Because it's over. Castro won when Baptista fled, thus ending the revolution.