Cuba to Reduce Cost of Cellphone Services

HAVANA TIMES — New studies and projects are underway in Cuba to promote the “social use” of the Internet and to reduce the costs of mobile phone services, said the Minister of Informatics and Communications, Maimir Mesa.

At a meeting held at the Havana Convention on Wednesday, the official disclosed the plan to make cellphone service more affordable to the public in 2013, generalize what’s known as the “calling party pays” system, and to extend the effective duration of active accounts.

Speaking before the Cuban parliament, the official said access to the Internet would continue to be provided “based on the principal of collective benefits and the availability of resources,” with priority being given to schools and scientific institutions.

The National Assembly — which consists of over 600 members, each with five-year terms — convenes for only two meetings annually.