Cuban state expands Wi-Fi access, cuts consumer price in half

Miami/South Florida's NBC 6 local news affiliate reports that Cuba will be expanding Internet access by adding Wi-Fi capacity to dozens of state-run Internet centers, while slashing the cost that users pay for an hour online by half.

"The announcement published in Thursday's edition of the newspaper Juventud Rebelde is the first significant expansion of the Internet in Cuba since President Barack Obama said on Dec. 17 that the communist government had told him it would give its people more access as part of a historic detente between the Cold War enemies," reports NBC 6.

The report continues:

"The spokesman for Cuba's state communications company told the newspaper that 35 government computer centers around the country would have Wi-Fi starting next month, and the price of one hour online would drop to $2 from $4.50 now. That price remains unaffordable for most Cubans but the change would represent a significant improvement in access for many people."

"Home Internet remains illegal for most of the Cuban population and online access at offices with Internet is highly limited and controlled. Until now, the only Wi-Fi network has been at tourist hotels at hourly prices that represent nearly a quarter of the average monthly salary for Cubans."

"Critics say Cuba's lack of connectivity is due largely to its fear that the internet will catalyze social unrest. The Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo on the island and has publicly expressed its intention to expand access for its citizens."

Full story:Cuban Government to Expand Wi-Fi Access, Make it Cheaper