Cuba: State telecommunications company gives approval for artist Kcho to open first public wireless hub at his cultural center
The Cuban government has approved the first public free Wi-Fi spot, according to the BBC. The country's state telecommunications company, Etecsa, has given its approval for an artist named Kcho to open the first public wireless hub at his cultural center.
Kcho, who according to the BBC has close ties to the country's government, operates the hub using a state connection and paying around $900 a month.
According to figures published by the BBC, only 5% to 25% of Cubans have access to the internet. The reason is purely economic as the cost is prohibitive for the average Cuban. For example, an hour of internet access at an internet café costs around $4.50, which is the same as a week's wage for a worker in the country.
Kcho, speaking to the Associated Press, said he decided to offer free internet access to his compatriots to convince them to get acquainted with the world of the Internet. Kcho's cultural center, located in western Havana, opened its doors in January.
Sculptor Kcho is perhaps the only artist, reports the BBC, to whom the government would give permission to operate a wi-fi network service. Moreover, according to the BBC, it is no coincidence that Fidel Castro's last public appearance was at an exhibition by this artist.
Source: protothema.gr
