Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: Internet Access Expands In Cuba

Friday, October 30, 2015

Internet Access Expands In Cuba — For Those Who Can Afford It

OCTOBER 06, 2015 by Carrie Kahn

http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/10/06/445998527/internet-access-expands-in-cuba-for-those-who-can-afford-it

The Havana studio of prominent artist Kcho is ringed by Cubans with their heads buried in screens. Users say the only other free Internet connection in Havana is at the U.S. Interests Section.

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The best place to see Cuba's Internet explosion is along the busy Havana thoroughfare known as La Rampa, or the Ramp.

Named for its sloping descent toward the sea, it is congested and loud. Still, crowds pack the sidewalks, office alcoves and driveways here to get online. They huddle within a few blocks of huge cell towers atop the Habana Libre luxury hotel. All eyes are glued to smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Raul Cuba, 41, types a lengthy Internet access code and password into his phone. He only learned how to log on a month ago.

"I'd never been on Facebook before, and the first time I did, I got so excited. I started chatting with my family in Miami, in Italy and Spain," he says.

Until this summer, Internet access only was available to tourists and officials, but since then the Castro government has set up dozens of pay-as-you-go public Wi-Fi hot spots around the country. And last month, President Obama allowed U.S. companies to invest in the island's telecommunication industry.

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