Cuba has started providing internet on mobile phones

Cuba has started providing internet on mobile phones, as it aims to provide the service nationwide to everyone.

The Communist-run country has started providing internet on the mobile phones of journalists.

Journalists at state-run news outlets were among the first this year to get mobile internet, provided by Cuba’s telecoms monopoly, as part of the new President’s aim for greater access to internet.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel has said it should boost the economy and help Cubans defend their revolution, Reuters reports.

Analysts have said broader web access will weaken the government’s control of what information reaches people.

Journalist Yuris Norido, 39, said: “It’s been a radical change.”

Mr Norido, who works for several state-run news websites added: “I can now update on the news from wherever I am, including where the news is taking place.”

Certain customers, including companies and embassies, have also been able to buy mobile data plans since December, according to the website of Cuban telecoms monopoly ETECSA, which has not broadly publicized the move.

ETECSA has said it will expand mobile internet to all its 5 million mobile phone customers, nearly half of Cuba’s population, by the end of this year.

Until 2013, internet was largely only available to the public at tourist hotels in Cuba.

Since then, the government has made increasing connectivity a priority and has introduced cybercafés and outdoor Wi-Fi spots.

Before Mr Diaz Canael took office in April, the 58-year-old had championed the cause.

When he was Vice President in July, he told parliament: “We need to be able to put the content of the revolution online.”

Most mobile phone owners have smartphones, although Cuba is only now installing 3G technology, even as most of Latin America has moved onto 4G, with 5G in its final testing phase.

The price could prove the biggest restriction for many, though. Hotspots currently charge $1 an hour, compared with an average state monthly wage of $30.

It was not clear what most Cubans will pay for mobile internet, but ETECSA is charging companies and embassies $45 a month for four gigabytes.