Congested ETECSA outlets in Havana

HAVANA TIMES – The Cuban capital awoke today with long lines at all outlets of the Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), with customers hoping to activate a new phone line.

From now until August 23, Cubacel is offering the possibility to activate a line for the price of 30 CUC (33 USD), which includes a free initial balance of 30 CUC.

The high price of phone calls via cell phones on the island continues to be a major constraint to their widespread use.  Nonetheless, the number of such leased lines exceeds that of landlines nationwide.

The vast majority of cell phones possessed by Cubans living on the island is made possible by their having relatives or friends that live outside of Cuba and assist them financially.