Internet in Cuba

Since its introduction in the late 1990s, Cuban Internet has stalled because of lack of funding,[1] tight government restrictions,[2] and the U.S. embargo, especially the Torricelli Act.

[1][3] Starting in 2007 this situation began to slowly improve, with 3G data services rolling out island-wide in 2018, and 4G since 2019, albeit through a government-monitored network.

On July 29, 2019, Cuba legalized private WiFi in homes and businesses, although one must obtain a permit to have access.

[7] In 2009 a U.S. company, TeleCuba Communications, Inc., was granted a license to install an undersea cable between Key West, Florida and Havana, although political considerations on both sides prevented the venture from moving forward.

The 2,500-kilometre Arimao undersea cable reached land on January 10, 2023 in Martinique, after starting its installation in Cienfuegos, Cuba.

[17] On July 29, 2019, Cuba legalized private Wi-Fi in homes and businesses, although one must obtain a permit to have access.

[4] As of December 6, 2018, Cubans can have full mobile Internet access provided by Cuba's telecommunications company, ETECSA, at 3G speeds.

[21] Starting on 4 June 2013 Cubans can sign up with ETECSA, the state telecom company, for public Internet access under the brand "Nauta" at 118 centers across the country.

In mid December 2016 Google and the Cuban government signed a deal allowing the internet giant to provide faster access to its data by installing servers on the island that will store much of the company's most popular content.

[29][30][31] In May 2019, Cuba's Ministry of Communication (MINCOM) announced resolutions that made community networks like SNET illegal.

[39] Rather than having complex filtering systems, the government relies on the high cost of getting online and the telecommunications infrastructure that is slow to restrict Internet access.

[9] Digital media is starting to play a more important role, bringing news of events in Cuba to the rest of the world.

Bloggers such as Yoani Sánchez use new media to depict life in Cuba and how the government violates basic freedoms.

[39] New media tools have allowed citizens to record and post their protests on YouTube as well as text message Tweets to people outside of Cuba.