The fiber optic cable that will connect entirely Cuba on global communications network has gradually become [since January] from the funds of the Caribbean Sea. Starting from the coast of Venezuela towards a beach southeast of the island, he must lie on 1600 miles. The project is estimated at more than $ 63 million [45.6 million].
From a practical standpoint, the profits are guaranteed: With this cable, Cuba is finished with the satellite Internet connection, both more expensive and slower, and have a connection of 320 gigabytes on each of two pairs optical fiber, thus multiplying by 3000 its capacity to transmit data, images and sounds.
This project, supported by the Cuban State, Venezuela and Jamaica, is integrated into the international system of telecommunications Alba is one I and cooperative programs of the countries of the region, meeting within the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas [ Alba cooperation organization launched by Hugo Chávez].
At completion, scheduled for early in the second half of 2011, Cuba will have a telecom network to match those existing elsewhere. The island will finally be "in line with the world" as the ad slogan of Entel, the telecommunications enterprise. Beyond the numbers, many questions still arise: how the Cuban authorities will they handle this new connection capacity when we know the hitherto problematic relationship qu'entretient Cuban society with computers and cyberspace? First obstacle, the number of computers for private use existing in Cuba, which is probably among the lowest in the world.
Three years ago again, buying a computer and other technology products sold in retail Cuban citizens were prohibited, although importation, limited time (such as mobile phone use, remember), was already authorized. At this barrier, the Cubans have often managed to circumvent purchasing equipment through an alien residing in the island, a Cuban institution authorized to purchase computer equipment or even a mixed capital company , added it (and it always adds) another: buy a computer (more than 500 Cuban pesos, or about 400 euros) is unthinkable for most Cubans, who live on a government salary rotating average around 25 pesos a month [20 euros].
Moreover, Cubans have maintained and still maintain a complex relationship with digital communications. Until the coming into operation of the optical fiber connection, the country has had to settle exclusively on satellite connection, more expensive and slower, since the optical fiber it was prohibited by the embargo imposed by the United States (the cable connecting Miami to Cancun passes just 30 miles from Cuban shores!).
And it is only through an account and a server attached to a state agency or institution recognized that the Cubans have access to various forms of digital communications, ranging from e-mail - restricted Cuba for the majority but opened abroad for some - the use of intranets, and web access to international, granted to some (including myself) for professional reasons.
The connection of Cuba to the fiber optic cable will change this situation dramatically (or at least make it 3000 times better) and, by breaking the technological barrier, potentially opening the network to all those interested - and have the hardware capabilities. Therefore, the relationship between Cubans and digital communication will depend soon as the government's willingness to assume this new reality and how it will address the challenges inherent in a country like Cuba wider access to information and communication.
While Cuba is undergoing a policy of economic adjustment, the entry of Cubans into the world of digital exchanges is a springboard for the present and future economic and social development of their country. Meanwhile, the cable is close to the island, and with him the facts that will no longer debatable and questions to be answered. 
From a practical standpoint, the profits are guaranteed: With this cable, Cuba is finished with the satellite Internet connection, both more expensive and slower, and have a connection of 320 gigabytes on each of two pairs optical fiber, thus multiplying by 3000 its capacity to transmit data, images and sounds.
This project, supported by the Cuban State, Venezuela and Jamaica, is integrated into the international system of telecommunications Alba is one I and cooperative programs of the countries of the region, meeting within the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas [ Alba cooperation organization launched by Hugo Chávez].
At completion, scheduled for early in the second half of 2011, Cuba will have a telecom network to match those existing elsewhere. The island will finally be "in line with the world" as the ad slogan of Entel, the telecommunications enterprise. Beyond the numbers, many questions still arise: how the Cuban authorities will they handle this new connection capacity when we know the hitherto problematic relationship qu'entretient Cuban society with computers and cyberspace? First obstacle, the number of computers for private use existing in Cuba, which is probably among the lowest in the world.
Three years ago again, buying a computer and other technology products sold in retail Cuban citizens were prohibited, although importation, limited time (such as mobile phone use, remember), was already authorized. At this barrier, the Cubans have often managed to circumvent purchasing equipment through an alien residing in the island, a Cuban institution authorized to purchase computer equipment or even a mixed capital company , added it (and it always adds) another: buy a computer (more than 500 Cuban pesos, or about 400 euros) is unthinkable for most Cubans, who live on a government salary rotating average around 25 pesos a month [20 euros].
Moreover, Cubans have maintained and still maintain a complex relationship with digital communications. Until the coming into operation of the optical fiber connection, the country has had to settle exclusively on satellite connection, more expensive and slower, since the optical fiber it was prohibited by the embargo imposed by the United States (the cable connecting Miami to Cancun passes just 30 miles from Cuban shores!).
And it is only through an account and a server attached to a state agency or institution recognized that the Cubans have access to various forms of digital communications, ranging from e-mail - restricted Cuba for the majority but opened abroad for some - the use of intranets, and web access to international, granted to some (including myself) for professional reasons.
The connection of Cuba to the fiber optic cable will change this situation dramatically (or at least make it 3000 times better) and, by breaking the technological barrier, potentially opening the network to all those interested - and have the hardware capabilities. Therefore, the relationship between Cubans and digital communication will depend soon as the government's willingness to assume this new reality and how it will address the challenges inherent in a country like Cuba wider access to information and communication.
While Cuba is undergoing a policy of economic adjustment, the entry of Cubans into the world of digital exchanges is a springboard for the present and future economic and social development of their country. Meanwhile, the cable is close to the island, and with him the facts that will no longer debatable and questions to be answered.
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