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Johnstech

February 20, 2008 Archive

February 20, 2008

The Internet scene in Cuba

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One possible consequence of Fidel Castro's resignation from the presidency is a more open Internet in Cuba.

The last few years have already brought change. Internet access is expanding, especially at Cuban universities. And a small but growing group of Cuban bloggers have managed to evade government controls to find an audience, especially outside the country.

Since Cuba got connected to the Internet in 1996, access has been granted mostly to the elite. Those who do have access connect at work, not home. And Internet users are concentrated in Havana.

Internet connections in Cuba are slow, according to Cristina Venegas, University of Calfiornia Santa Barbara professor of film and media studies. Venegas, who's writing a book about the changing Internet and media landscape in Cuba, says one reason for the Internet's arrested development is the U.S. embargo.


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