Cuba makes internet access cheaper

Cuba's state telecom monopoly Etecsa has announced a reduction in the cost of internet services

and the start of online trials in the homes in Havana.

The reduction from two Cuban convertible pesos ($A2.75) to 1.50 CUC will encourage people to visit the cultural, investigative and news content on websites, Etecsa's commercial communications specialist Beatriz Fernandez said.

Etecsa services for surfing the web with a Nauta account will cost 1.50 CUC per hour, while nationwide navigation will cost 25 centavos CUC per hour, Fernandez said.

Meanwhile, Cuba is about to launch a two-month pilot trial offering internet users access at home, something that has been harshly restricted up to now.

The trial will be carried out in 2000 homes located in two districts of Old Havana, selected for their "technical availability" - having a landline telephone -, among other criteria, Ana Mendez, said.

Up to now, home internet connections have been limited to professionals like doctors, journalists, intellectuals and academics.

In the Nauta Home Trial, a wide-band connection with ADSL technology will be employed for a number of hours determined by internet connection speed, the official said.