Cuba plans to expand Internet connectivity in 2021

Havana, November 23 (RHC)-- Cuba will expand in 2021  Internet connection capacities, the Vice-Minister of Communications, Ana Julia Marine, told Prensa Latina.

According to that news agency, currently, seven million Cubans access the Internet by different means, 4.2 million of them through mobile data. Of the latter, 1.3 million through fourth generation cell phone technology (4G LTE).

"Expanding that service is one of Cuba's greatest challenges for the coming year," said Marine.

Se noted that in addition to the 72 municipalities in which this type of connection is available,  in the next 12 months, coverage will be extended to 51 more.

The transition from analog to digital television will also contribute to this since the 700 megahertz band (MHz) is being used to deploy 4G technology, she said.

Marine added that the extension of 3G networks would also continue to make possible with both services greater access for mobile data to all users in the country'.

The vice-minister pointed out that another priority for 2021 is to extend the infrastructure and security of the telecommunications systems directly related to the Transfermóvil and EnZona online payment applications.

These apps offer bonuses that are in great demand by the population, and their use grew during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the mandatory confinement and cessation of some face-to-face services,' said Marine.

Statistics from the Cuban Telecommunications Company (Etecsa) refer that Transfermovil is reporting 10 million operations and more than two payments or transfers per second every month.

Clients use it mainly for transfer operations between magnetic cards, payment of cell lines and permanent Nauta accounts, the fee of utilities such as electricity, telephone, and the cost of taxes.

Projections for 2021 also include achieving greater computerization coverage in public services such as civil registry, identity, migration, and other government procedures carried out by the population.

Besides, the Communications Ministry, together with Etecsa, will implement a new wireless connection to expand  Nauta Hogar coverage, said, Marine.