On Wednesday, May 21, US President George W. Bush has made quite the interesting announcement in regards to relations with Cuba and the Cuban government. But question remains: What effect is this going to take?
Soon, those that live in the United States will soon be permitted to send some high-tech goodies to Cuba. These high-tech goodies are in the form of cell phones and other mobile communication devices. In the near future, you can buy a T-Mobile Sidekick and mail to someone you know in Cuba.
The announcement is made in regards to recent changes in Cuba such as the shift in power. Bush explained that those in Cuba are not allowed to buy electronic gadgets and other technological goodies such as DVD players and computers. In short, if you live in Cuba that means you can’t buy anything like the Nintendo Wii.
Bush explains that this move will persuade Cuba’s government to give its people the freedom of expression. The timing could never have been better as this week marks the 106th anniversary of Cuba’s independence. However, the embargo against Cuba remains regardless of the move to let Americans send cell phones to the country.
This initiative is set to take effect in a few weeks. However, Cuba’s government has not given any comment yet on this initiative.
But, there are things to consider such as the costs of the phone, the phone plans, the area of service, and the service providers. This is the first move in regards to freedom of communication in Cuba. The US has made the first move, it is unknown what move Cuba’s government will take afterwards.
Phone service providers can expect a spike in sales in Florida due to the large Cuban-American community that lives in Miami. That’s when this initiative takes effect which should be a few weeks.