Cuba USA
Etecsa officials held a press conference in which they made the point that the 118 new Internet access rooms are just the start of improved Internet service.
They promised lower prices, more access rooms, WiFi in access rooms, mobile connectivity, etc., but did not give specifics.
The article did, however, give some specifics about the service which will be offered starting June 4. The connection speed will be "up to" two megabits per second, depending upon the available infrastructure at each location. All Web services will be available -- chat, social networks, email, uploading and downloading of files, etc.
However, VOIP calls will be prohibited in accordance with Resolution 120/2003 of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba. I wonder whether "click to talk" services on Web sites will work. The VOIP restriction protects Etecsa revenue for now, but it may turn out to be difficult to enforce.
The slow connection speed -- up to 2 mbps -- reflects the remark of Jorge Luis Legros, Director of Etecsa Strategic Programs, when asked about the impact of the undersea cable. He said that it will improve service but "investments in networks and systems to bring access closer to the end user are needed."
What can Cuba do to attract that investment from China or other nations?
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Update 5/31/2013
Related commentary on the opening of the new access rooms from Granma:
La estrategia es continuar ampliando los servicios de Internet a la población
Vague promises of things to come
No será el mercado quien regule el acceso al conocimiento
Interview of Wilfredo González Vidal, viceministro del Ministerio de Comunicaciones
- Etecsa Will Sell -- And Service -- Huawei Phones.
ETECSA has agreed to sell and service Huawei phones. Since Cuban cell service is 2G, they will be used for voice calls and Internet access at WiFi hotspots and elsewhere. (I have heard that there is a little 3G coverage in Cuba -- is that the case)? Javier...
- Cuba's Wifi Access Plan Raises Intresting Questions.
Do we see the outline of a future national fiber backbone? Luis Manuel Díaz Naranjo, ETECSA Director of Communications, has announced that during the coming weeks, they plan to roll out 35 WiFi access points. As shown here, they will be distributed throughout...
- Cuban Home Connectivity Prices Leaked (with A Tidbit At The End Of The Post)
Diario de Cuba reported that Etecsa will begin selling home Internet connectivity in September. Prime time prices will be: The night time price (8PM - 7AM) will be 20 CUC for 90 hours, with a charge of 20 convertible centavos per hour after the limit...
- Home Connectivity Is Coming 4q 2014 And There Are 11,000 Nauta Accounts
EFE reports that ETECSA plans to offer home Internet connectivity in the fourth quarter of 2014. They also hinted that some mobile connectivity may be offered at that time. The connections will use DSL, not dial up, according to Jorge Legrá, Director...
- New Public Access Will Open June 4
The undersea cable link between Cuba and Jamaica came online in mid May and that connection may now be bearing fruit. Etecsa will open 118 new public access centers on June 4. It is noteworthy that the access centers are dispersed throughout the island....
Cuba USA
Etecsa officials provide some details and make some promises
They promised lower prices, more access rooms, WiFi in access rooms, mobile connectivity, etc., but did not give specifics.
The article did, however, give some specifics about the service which will be offered starting June 4. The connection speed will be "up to" two megabits per second, depending upon the available infrastructure at each location. All Web services will be available -- chat, social networks, email, uploading and downloading of files, etc.
However, VOIP calls will be prohibited in accordance with Resolution 120/2003 of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba. I wonder whether "click to talk" services on Web sites will work. The VOIP restriction protects Etecsa revenue for now, but it may turn out to be difficult to enforce.
The slow connection speed -- up to 2 mbps -- reflects the remark of Jorge Luis Legros, Director of Etecsa Strategic Programs, when asked about the impact of the undersea cable. He said that it will improve service but "investments in networks and systems to bring access closer to the end user are needed."
What can Cuba do to attract that investment from China or other nations?
-----
Update 5/31/2013
Related commentary on the opening of the new access rooms from Granma:
La estrategia es continuar ampliando los servicios de Internet a la población
Vague promises of things to come
No será el mercado quien regule el acceso al conocimiento
Interview of Wilfredo González Vidal, viceministro del Ministerio de Comunicaciones
- Etecsa Will Sell -- And Service -- Huawei Phones.
ETECSA has agreed to sell and service Huawei phones. Since Cuban cell service is 2G, they will be used for voice calls and Internet access at WiFi hotspots and elsewhere. (I have heard that there is a little 3G coverage in Cuba -- is that the case)? Javier...
- Cuba's Wifi Access Plan Raises Intresting Questions.
Do we see the outline of a future national fiber backbone? Luis Manuel Díaz Naranjo, ETECSA Director of Communications, has announced that during the coming weeks, they plan to roll out 35 WiFi access points. As shown here, they will be distributed throughout...
- Cuban Home Connectivity Prices Leaked (with A Tidbit At The End Of The Post)
Diario de Cuba reported that Etecsa will begin selling home Internet connectivity in September. Prime time prices will be: The night time price (8PM - 7AM) will be 20 CUC for 90 hours, with a charge of 20 convertible centavos per hour after the limit...
- Home Connectivity Is Coming 4q 2014 And There Are 11,000 Nauta Accounts
EFE reports that ETECSA plans to offer home Internet connectivity in the fourth quarter of 2014. They also hinted that some mobile connectivity may be offered at that time. The connections will use DSL, not dial up, according to Jorge Legrá, Director...
- New Public Access Will Open June 4
The undersea cable link between Cuba and Jamaica came online in mid May and that connection may now be bearing fruit. Etecsa will open 118 new public access centers on June 4. It is noteworthy that the access centers are dispersed throughout the island....