Internet
At the beginning of 2015 Cuba was one of the countries in the world with the lowest number of users of the Internet. ETESCA, the organization which has a monopoly of telecommunications on the island, began to sell WIFI at the end of January 2015. Prior to the announcement Internet access was restricted to some professions like lawyers, journalists or doctors only with government authorization. Prior to the change in the rules Cubans could only get on line in a type of Internet Cafes where the cost was $5.00 per hour. Considering the monthly salary was only $20-$30 dollars monthly very few people could access the Internet. One encouraging sign is that WIFI will be offered in one area of the city of Santiago de Cuba. Users will be able to use tablets, telephones and laptops to get on line at still at a cost of $4.50. As better access become available the price is bound to come down making it more available to a greater number of people.
Part of the agreement reached with the United States is so that telecommunications companies can invest in the infrastructure of the country and the acceptance and the use of credit cards in Cuba. Presently, only a small percentage of the people have access to Internet at present. This tool will eventually lead to more political and personal freedom in the world as Cubans have more contact with the outside world.
On February 9, 2015 Netflix announced its availability in Cuba. The company distributes movies and television series on the Internet. They will offer their services once Internet coverage widens to give more people access and more and more people acquire credit and debit cards to subscribe to the service. With this decision Netflix becomes the first U.S. Company to take advantage the improvement of relations between the U.S. and Cuba after a 50-year hiatus. The monthly cost of subscribing to the service will be $7.99, the same amount paid in the U.S.
