Cuba has expanded internet access to a small number of mobile users ahead of a planned nationwide rollout by the end of the year, another step forward for the country’s slow efforts to open up. Cuba’s Communist government has a monopoly over telecoms and media, but analysts predict that this mobile access will create a slight reduction in government control, although the government has emphasized that the mobile expansion will boost the economy and defend the revolution. Caused by a mix of development issues and control-of-information concerns, Cuba has limited internet infrastructure, with internet only available at a small number of hubs like tourist hotels as recently as 2013. Since then, the government has expanded coverage to cyber cafes and outdoor hotspots, with a limited extension into residences.
Source: Communist-run Cuba starts rolling out internet on mobile phones | Reuters
