Cubans can finally buy American phones and PCs
The White House promised warmer relations with Cuba that would provide easier access to US technology (among many other things), and it's delivering in spades. As of January 16th, American companies can legally sell consumer tech to everyday Cubans. That includes cellphones, PCs, TVs and anything else that will "enable the flow of information" for the public. It's not that generous of a gesture however, when you consider that the island's population can't usually afford these gadgets. The average Cuban earned just $20 per month in 2013. It'll expand the selection of items they can afford, however, and it'll boost sales to visitors (who'll also see fewer restrictions on US credit and debit cards).
Locals may be more likely to notice the previously announced plan to let US telecoms run services in Cuba. The newfound communications freedom is mostly meant to create an "efficient and adequate" link with the US, but it could improve the overall quality of Cuban phone and data connections. It could reduce the nation's dependence on its state-run telecom (ETECSA), too. You might not see the full effects of this diplomatic outreach for years, but it should make a big impact in a country where American tech imports were previously left to smugglers and helpful tourists.
[Image credit: AFP/Getty Images]
