Etecsa resorts to mobile tech for public phones

Cuba's state-run telco Etecsa is using mobile technology for public telephones in regions of Holguín province where it is not possible to deploy fixed networks.

There are 27 localities with over 200 residents in the province that meet the criteria, reported local outlet Radio Ángulo. Etecsa is already addressing the issue in 18 of these, 15 of which use mobile networks while the remaining three use satellite technology.

Héctor Javier Santos de la Rosa, head of Etecsa's network division, said the telco is prioritizing connectivity in healthcare facilities. The official added that there are 1,819 public telephones in the province, meaning a telephone density of nearly 5%, which is considered one of the best in the country.

Etecsa has signed 1,280 contracts to provide residential internet services in Holguín and the telco will expand the service in seven additional municipalities. The province also has 50 public internet sites and 40 internet centers.

In related news, Etecsa will begin selling residential internet in four municipalities in Cienfuegos province before year-end, benefiting an estimated 150,000 households.

According to Cuba's communications ministry, 4mn people had internet access on the island in July this year, with 1mn having a Nauta residential internet account.