State Department Wants Cuba To Improve Internet Connectivity, Sets Up Task Force

BY ARATHI M @ARATHIMINI ON 01/24/18 AT 2:05 AM

In accordance with President Donald Trump’s Cuba policy, which was summarized in the June presidential memorandum, the State Department created a Cuba Internet Task Force to "promote the free and unregulated flow of information” in the nation.

Due to tight government restrictions and lack of funding, the internet in Cuba has not percolated to the general public, due to which only about 40 percent of the population has access to the internet. Mobile internet is still not available to the people, but this might change as Cuba’s state telecommunications company Etecsa plans to provide the facility this year.

The State Department said: “The Cuba Internet Task Force is composed of U.S. Government and non-government representatives to examine technological challenges and opportunities for expanding internet access in Cuba,” and the team will meet for the first time Feb. 7.

The Presidential National Security Memorandum, which was issued in June, stated that the Cuba Internet Task Force will comprise “relevant departments and agencies, including the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and appropriate non-governmental organizations and private-sector entities,” and examine opportunities “that encourage freedom of expression through independent media and internet freedom so that the Cuban people can enjoy the free and unregulated flow of information.”

More:
http://www.ibtimes.com/state-department-wants-cuba-improve-internet-connectivity-sets-task-force-2644493