Internet in Cuba: Access and Limitations

Cuba has a relatively low internet penetration rate, with only around 1 in 5 Cubans having access to the internet as of 2020.

The Cuban government tightly controls the internet, restricting access to many websites and online services.

Internet access is mainly available in urban areas, with the majority of Cubans relying on public Wi-Fi hotspots or internet cafes.

These hotspots are often overcrowded and slow, making it difficult for users to get online.

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Cuba legalized private Wi-Fi in homes and businesses in 2019, but a permit is required for access.

As of 2018, Cubans can have full mobile Internet access at 3G speeds, provided by ETECSA, the state telecom company.

The roll out of the internet service took place from December 6 to 9, 2018, to avoid congestion.

ETECSA announced different internet packages and their prices, ranging from 600 MB for 7 Cuban convertible pesos ($7) to 4 GB for 30 Cuban convertible pesos ($30).

One network link connects to the global Internet and is used by government officials and tourists, while another connection for use by the general public has restricted content.

Most access is to a government-controlled national intranet and an in-country e-mail system.

In 2018, access to the Internet by mobile data became available, and by 2019, 7.1 million Cubans could access the Internet.

The prices of connections, including WiFi zones, mobile data, and the "Nauta Hogar" service, have been decreasing since the economic reform of January 2021.

In 2021, 7.7 million Cubans accessing the Internet were reported.

All material intended for publication on the Internet must first be approved by the National Registry of Serial Publications.

Service providers may not grant access to individuals not approved by the government.

Many foreign news outlet websites, including YouTube, Google, and Pinterest, are not blocked in Cuba, but slow connections and outdated technology make it impossible for citizens to load these websites.

Despite these limitations, Internet access is seen as essential for Cuba's economic development.

Roughly 4.5 million people, or about 39% of the population, had access to Internet in 2018, up from 1.6 million in 2008.

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There were 1.2 million computers available on the island in 2018, up from 630,000 in 2008.

In Cuba, censorship of the Internet has slowly relaxed, allowing members of the public to legally buy a computer in 2007.

Cubans connect to the Internet at embassies, Internet cafés, through friends at universities, hotels, and work.

As telecommunication infrastructure develops, cellphone availability is increasing.

Access to the internet in Cuba is controlled by the Empresa de Telecommunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA), a state-owned monopoly.

Temporary accounts are mostly used by foreign tourists, while permanent accounts are mostly used by Cuban citizens.

Although an estimated 32.5% of the population had access to the internet as of 2017, the vast majority of those people only have access to the intranet offered by the government.

The intranet includes access to an email service, educational and cultural materials, state-sponsored media links, and some foreign websites that demonstrate support for the Cuban government.

The most popular sites that are offered through the intranet service include EcuRed, a Wikipedia-like service.

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Cuba does not have the infrastructure and individuals have insufficient incomes to make home Wi-Fi broadly available.

Most Cubans access Wi-Fi through public means, including the "ParkNets" and the Joven Club.

There are 421 public Wi-Fi hotspots in all of Cuba, and 68 of those hotspots are located in the capital city of Havana.

Most Wi-Fi is accessed by Cubans in these public areas, as a result Cubans overwhelmingly access the internet through mobile devices.

The other method through which Cubans access the internet is the Joven Clubs, or Youth Club, which are government-provided computer centers.

Access to the internet in Cuba is heavily restricted, with the National Registry of Serial Publications requiring approval for any material to be published online. Service providers can't grant access to individuals not approved by the government.

The slow internet connections and outdated technology in Cuba make it difficult for citizens to load websites like YouTube, Google, and Pinterest, even if they're not blocked. Many foreign news outlet websites are accessible, but the limited bandwidth means authorities prioritize developing internet infrastructure in collective locations like workplaces, schools, and research centers.

In 2018, about 39% of the population had access to the internet, up from 1.6 million in 2008, but this still leaves a significant portion of the population without internet access.

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In Cuba, accessing the internet is a privilege not everyone enjoys, with only 39% of the population having access in 2018.

The government tightly controls internet access, requiring approval from the National Registry of Serial Publications for any material to be published online.

Limited bandwidth in Cuba makes it difficult for citizens to load websites, even if they're not blocked by the government.

Only 1.2 million computers were available on the island in 2018, up from 630,000 in 2008, but still a far cry from meeting the demand for internet access.

The government prioritizes developing internet infrastructure in collective settings, such as workplaces, schools, and research centers, where multiple people share the same computers or network.

Internet access is seen as essential for Cuba's economic development, but the limited availability holds the country back.

StreetNets, also known as SNet, is a network of local mesh networks built by Cuban citizens to connect localities to a private network outside of government control. This network allows members to communicate online privately and share files without fear of government oversight or censorship.

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Over 9,000 computers in Havana are connected to some form of a mesh network, including SNet. This is a remarkable feat considering the strict control the government has over the internet through ETECSA.

The mesh network is formed by Wi-Fi antennas and Ethernet cables connected to each other, bringing hundreds of computers onto a single network. This is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Cuban people.

However, owning Wi-Fi equipment without a license from the Ministry of Communications is illegal, which is why SNet operates under the radar. The government has not taken much action to shut down SNet, likely due to strong self-censorship within the community.

To access the internet, SNet users must be mindful of the content they share, as posting pornographic material or discussing politics can result in permanent blocking from the network. This self-censorship is a result of the value Cubans place on accessing content and their unwillingness to face government backlash.

In 2019, talks between SNet supporters and the Ministry of Communications led to SNet being joined to the national network of the Young Computer Club, a state company offering courses and internet access to the Cuban population.

In Cuba, access to the internet is controlled by the state-owned monopoly Empresa de Telecommunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA).

Most Cubans access the internet through public Wi-Fi hotspots, known as ParkNets, which are often located in parks. The vast majority of Cubans go to these parks for Wi-Fi access.

There are 421 public Wi-Fi hotspots in all of Cuba, and 68 of those hotspots are located in the capital city of Havana. This limited infrastructure means that most Cubans access the internet through mobile devices.

Communication apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are among the most popular apps in Cuba, often used to contact family living abroad.

In Cuba, internet users have limited access to online content due to strict government regulations.

The government tightly controls the internet, restricting access to information and services that are deemed subversive or threatening to national security.

Cubans can access the internet at public Wi-Fi hotspots, but these are often overcrowded and expensive.

User Rights Violations can have serious consequences for internet users.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union protects users from unauthorized data collection and processing.

In the US, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) sets strict guidelines for collecting personal data from minors.

User rights can be violated through malicious data breaches, which can expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties.

The GDPR requires companies to report data breaches within 72 hours of discovery.

In 2017, a data breach at Equifax exposed the sensitive information of over 147 million people.

User rights can also be violated through discriminatory online practices, such as targeted advertising based on sensitive characteristics.

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The cost of internet access in Cuba is a major barrier to widespread adoption. Until 2018, the national intranet cost 0.10 CUC an hour, while international access cost 1.50 CUC an hour.

The general population's low incomes, with most people earning around $25 per month, make it difficult for them to afford internet access. Even those employed by foreign firms make only $30 per month.

Residential internet was also expensive, with the cheapest plan costing 15 CUC per month and the fastest plan costing 70 CUC per month. These prices are out of reach for most Cubans.

Since 2018, prices have decreased, with one hour of public Wi-Fi costing 1.50 CUP in 2021. Access to the national network costs 0.50 CUP in 2021.

The minimum data mobile package costs 110 CUP for 600 Mbs, and there's a bonus for 4G lines that combine messages and calls.

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