HAVANA – A state-run pilot program providing internet access for Cubans just started in two neighborhoods in Havana with 2,000 users.
People first get free internet access for 30 hours a month for two months.
After the free trial, Cubans can add money to their accounts the same way they do with their phones.
"Except with this, you pay based on speed," Liset Vazquez said in Spanish.
Vazquez said she is going to go with the $30 a month service, which is above the average $24 monthly salary of a Cuban.
Accessing internet is a luxury, and many Cubans are willing to make the sacrifice.
"It's not fast, but it works well," she said.
For Vazquez, it's about comfort.
She said you don't have to be at a park or hotel to connect.
Aside from money, the only drawback is the home connection is only meant for desktops and not smartphones.
It is estimated that only 29 percent of Cubans have access to the internet.
The Cuban government blames it on the U.S. embargo.
Critics of the Cuban government said it's done on purpose to keep Cubans from accessing anti-government information.
"Internet shouldn't be a luxury but a necessity," Ernesto Cuadrado said.
Cuadrado, who is an architect by trade, said more internet access makes life easier.
He said the government has lowered price on the highly popular Wi-Fi cards that allow Cubans to connect, but he said prices should be more reasonable.
An hour of Wi-Fi costs $1.50.
Computer programmer Daniel Vega said access to the internet is vital to his work and life, so he hopes prices keep dropping.
