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Network Policy
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Telecommunications Regulation (stage 2)
Getting online is not easy in Cuba, where the government controls all Web servers and Internet access. International communications and Internet access are highly restricted in term of prohibitive rates. There is only 11.5% of Cuba population that are the internet users1, and all Internet access requires government authorization. Cuban citizens can connect the internet only via the public Internet access (e.g. Internet Caf?) and get only the slow connection. Or they may choose the national intranet instead which only offers access to government-approved web sites2. E-mail accounts are only available at the Cuban Postal Service. They also have to show identification and sign a contact to get an e-mail account. Although the Cuban people primarily use connections to send e-mail, the Cuban government hopes to use the Internet to spread its political messages, promote tourism, and improve the efficiency of medical services. There are only a select number of government institutions, the diplomatic sector, and approved foreign businesses that allow to access to the world wide Internet3.
As result of an exclusive, 20-year right to operate in the telecommunications sector issued in 2003, the Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA), a mixed capital company that is owned by the GoC, and managed by the Ministry of Information and Communication, is the only provider of telecommunication services in Cuba4. The monopolistic services of ETECSA include telephone, internet and wireless services. M?ximo Lafuente, vice president of mobile services of ETECSA, said that at present (2009) the cellular network cover 67.3 percent of the country and 75.8 of the population5
ICT Trade Policy (stage 2)
In the past, a common Cuban citizen cannot "legally" buy a personal computer and request a service from an ISP, and purchases of computers are limited to foreign nationals and government officials. In 2008 Cuba government reconsider the PC restriction issue, and allow Cubans to buy a personal computer; however, the PC price is still unaffordable for the most Cubans. Not only reconsider about computer restriction, Cuba government also plans to improve internet technology because it wants to keep up to modern world. Then it uses all the power to develop in all spheres, especially in Internet and e-technologies. To improve internet technologies and make it more accessible for people, Cuba and Venezuela are jointly working in the setting up the underwater cable. Cuba also starts providing the basic courses on software and electronics, open-code platforms depend on users' need. These programs are free and the main purpose is to bring an information technology culture to the community, especially for children and youth6. Unfortunately, Cuba will have to overcome the e-commerce obstacle, due to the economic, commercial and financial restrictions implemented by the US government. It has to find the way to its internet and e-commerce development.
Recommendation
The Cuba government has to renegotiate the exclusivity agreement with ETECSA, and end monopoly economic of Cuba telecommunication by issuing license to create competition in this area. Also Cuba government has to reconsider about internet regulation, the VOIP restriction, and reducing the computer equipment to affordable price.
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