Google and ETECSA Sign an MOU

Cuba’s telecommunications company Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA) and the American company Google have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU will commence negotiations for an Internet traffic exchange service agreement (“peering”) to improve access to internet content.

The MOU will be implemented when the technical conditions will permit it. The agreement falls in line with ETECSA’s strategy for internet development and the need to increase internet access on the Caribbean island.

It follows agreements on internet access previously signed with Google in 2016 and enacted since April 2017. In the past, Internet access was largely only available in tourist hotels and resorts since 2013.

However, since then, Cuba has been implementing the internet on a widespread basis via internet WifI zones throughout the Island. In December, 3G mobile internet arrived on Cuban telephones. The infrastructure development has been largely constructed by the Chinese technology giant Huawei.

Twice in 2018, former Google executive Eric Schmidt met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana and then again in New York last September.

During the Obama era of detente, Google set up a center in Havana for internet users to enable faster connection to its Google branded content.

The signing of the latest MOU indicates the continuing interest of U.S. companies in developing further business with ETECSA.

Although President Donald Trump has increased tensions between the two countries by tightening up the embargo, the restrictions still permit U.S. telecommunications companies to provide internet infrastructure services to Cuba.