Cuba, US hold discussions on internet, telecoms

Discussions held by Cuba and the US on the internet and telecommunications in Cuba as reported by the Associated Press, Havana, January 23, 2016

(HAVANA) “Cuban officials say they have held two days of talks with their U.S. counterparts about telecommunications and the Internet.

A Foreign Ministry statement says the two sides exchanged views on using the Internet for “economic and social development.”

The Ministry said Friday that Cuban officials also raised complaints about the U.S. Embargo’s negative impact on island communications.

It said U.S. telecom executives accompanied the delegation to Cuba, but did not give details.

Washington and Havana have advanced talks on several areas of cooperation in the year since they announced they would restore diplomatic relations.

Internet access in Cuba remains rare and restricted. Last year the government opened up dozens of public Wi-Fi hotspots, though the cost is prohibitively expensive for many islanders at $2 per hour.”