cuba
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Cubans line up to buy first legal PCs
Although Cubans have been able to get underground PCs for a while now, the Cuban government only recently lifted the official ban on them, and the first publicly-available machines just went on sale Friday. The state-approved QTECH PCs are only available at one store, where crowds formed to gawk at some pretty clunky tech -- the $780 towers feature Celeron processors, 512MB of RAM, Windows XP, and come with a CRT display. Not only that, but most Cubans won't even be allowed to have Internet access as only "trusted officials" and state journalists are allowed home net access. That's a pretty weak state of affairs, but it's not necessarily as dire as it seems: now that computers are legally available, some Cubans expect black market prices on up-to-date gear to come down. The managed economy in action -- anyone know if Cubans have unofficial ways of getting online as well?[Via CNET]
Cuban cellphone freedom nets 7,400 users in ten days
Within the first ten days of the new, open cellular policy in Cuba, 7,400 cellphone accounts have been opened by regular Cuban citizens. The 7,400 contracts were opened for about $110 via Cuba's only (and state-owned) wireless provider, ETECSA. Handsets cost around $75 -- no cheap proposition when you consider that the average Cuban citizen's annual state salary is around $240. Previously, contracts could only be opened by government officials or foreigners. 7,400 is a tiny slice of Cuba's 11.4-million person population (.0006%), but it's a start.[Via textually.org]
Flood gates open as Cubans given the green light to buy mobile phone service
We heard mention that the state controlled telco in Cuba, ETECSA, was about to finally begin offering cellular service to Cuban citizens, and that day has come. The rub, of course, is pricing, with activation ringing in at about $110 and the cheapest set, $75, average Joe earner's $20 monthly salary is going to be stretched thin. Of course, people like the orange couple (picture above, no relation to the other Orange) will always be willing to stretch the budget way out to get at the newest treats, and we completely understand that, but don't forget to save some change for food and matching outfits.
Cuba lifts restrictions on cellphone use
It's only just ended its ban on DVD player and computer sales, but Cuba's apparently not stopping it's technological catch-up there, with President Raul Castro now announcing that the country's also lifting its restrictions on cellphone use. As the AFP reports, there have of course been cellphones in the country for some time, but they have mainly been reserved for foreigners, government staff, or those who were able to obtain them through third parties. Under the new regulations, however, Cubans will be able to get cellphone service from state telecom ETECSA, but only in the form of prepaid contracts that must be paid for in foreign currency. Reuters also adds that Cubans will be able to both make and receive international calls under the new service. Any other details are apparently pretty light at the moment, but ETECSA says it'll be providing information on how Cubans can switch over their existing service or sign up for a new contract in the next few days.[Via Yahoo/AFP]
Cuba ends ban on DVD player, computer sales
Man, Fidel's out and already the kids are getting crazy: the Cuban government is finally allowing general consumers to buy various electronics, including DVD players and computers, for the first time. Only companies and foreigners were previously able to buy computers, while the looming threat of terrible Hollywood movies had forced Cuban authorities to seize DVD players at the airport. The change is due to "the improved availability of electricity," and Cubans can look forward to also picking up microwaves, 24-inch televisions, and rice cookers to plug into the new juice. Of course, it's not all flip flops and high-fives: air conditioners will not be available until next year, and the deadly menace known as the toaster will be restricted until 2010. Hope you like plain bread with your communism movies.
