Internet Down for Some Cubans

HAVANA TIMES, March 26 — The Cubarte network, one of the governmental institutions charged with providing access to the Intranet, Internet and email on the island, reported today that its users are experiencing difficulties with Internet browsing.

The news note, signed by the deputy technical director of this institution that operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, said only that “for technical reasons, the ETECSA company, our Internet provider, said our Internet navigation services would be perturbed since yesterday and last until March 29.”

The suspension of service is coinciding exactly with the time of Pope Benedict’s visit to Cuba, from today until March 28.

Cubarte provides services to some 4,000 users, who include workers in government agencies and community projects, artists and intellectuals.

These users also benefit from instant messaging services, distribution lists, hosting, and domain registration.