Cuba to keep Internet limits after fiber optic cable

[Bacchus39]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i4Im-pal7SwXM14VPiwpDLTMbvxw

Cuba to keep Internet limits after fiber optic cable
Feb 6, 2009

HAVANA (AFP) — Cuba will continue to limit Internet access even after a fiber optic cable linking the island with Venezuela comes online in 2010, a top official said.

The new cable is 1,550 kilometers (960 miles) long and will dramatically increase the island's level of connectivity, according to officials.

"We believe that the most responsible policy is to privilege collective access" to the Internet, said Boris Moreno, deputy minister of computer science and communication.

Nevertheless, there is a desire for "larger number of citizens to have Internet access," technical and economic conditions allowing, Moreno told the daily Juventud Rebelde.

But he warned that the new fiber optic cable "will not necessarily decrease the price the country pays for connection to international networks."

Because of the US trade embargo, Cuba connects to the Internet via satellite. The government says the limited bandwidth forces them to "prioritize" Internet access for "social use" purposes, with universities, companies and research centers prioritized.

The US embargo bans Cuban access to underwater Internet cables, the closest of which runs from Miami to Cancun, Mexico, a mere 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Havana.

Dissidents say the government's true goal is to control access to information.

Moreno said Cuba, with a population of around 11.4 million, has 1.4 million Internet users, and that by the end of 2008 there were 630,000 computers, a 23 percent increase over 2007.

In July, the head of the US interest section in Havana, Michael Parmly, said that Washington would allow US companies to connect Cuba to their underwater cables.

"The only thing that is missing is for the Cuban government to lift its restrictions, loose its fear and begin to trust its own people," he said.

[Mika]

1. A clueless article with a biased translation.

"We believe that the most responsible policy is to privilege collective access" to the Internet, said Boris Moreno, deputy minister of computer science and communication.

To "privilege collective access" means that high speed internet will not be provided by the government for free. Duh.

Cubans with enough money will be able to afford it. Just like Americans who can afford it are the only ones with high speed internet. Duh.

Nevertheless, there is a desire for "larger number of citizens to have Internet access," technical and economic conditions allowing, Moreno told the daily Juventud Rebelde.

Do you really think that Cuba will outfit the entire country with high speed cable lines instantly? It will take some time, economic conditions allowing.

But he warned that the new fiber optic cable "will not necessarily decrease the price the country pays for connection to international networks."

I don't know how much you are paying for high speed cable internet, but I doubt that the average Cuban could afford the rates we pay in the US for it.


Funny how basic global reality is spun into ax grinding anti Castro mewling. :dunce:

[Bacchus39]

2. no, it means it will be censored like in China

just as it is already.


but you do bring up a good point. Cubans barely have enough money for necessities let alone "luxuries" like the internet. any particular reason not to allow for private enterprise?

some Cubans already receive remittances from the States, and I am sure the amount differs so the "equality" issue really isn't a factor.

[Mika]

3. Comparing the US's #1 trade "partner" (China) to Cuba is downright laughable.

Pathetic attempt at comparison.

At least now you finally admit that it is economics that is the primary "restriction" to connection (and will be when high speed comes to Cuba).

You are all over the map when it comes to Cuba - mainly because you know jack shit about the place.

[Bacchus39]

4. well Mika, China is experience economic prosperity and still blocks access

so the comparison is more than apt. the repressive Cuban government is not going to allow unrestricted access regardless of whether people can pay or not.

you know what? Obama isn't going to lift the embargo, free the 5 spies, or do any other favors for the Castro boys. get used to it. it looks like old age and death is what will change Cuba. I am sure President Obama would like to engage a new generation of leadership in Cuba.