Ordinary Cubans line up throughout Havana for their first chance to legally
own a cell phone after the administration of Raul Castro recently ended the
ban on cell phones.

HAVANA, CUBA (APRIL 14, 2008) REUTERS -

Hundreds of Cubans lined up at state-owned telephone offices on
Monday (April 14) as the new government under President Raul Castro began
selling cellular phone services to the general public for the first time.
    Thousands were expected to take advantage of the opportunity in the
coming days, even though many say the price of the new phones is relatively
steep.
    Previously, many Cubans had used foreign friends or family to sign for
phone contracts on their behalf.
    "Before, you had to find a foreigner and the foreigner would take
out the phone line. Now, any Cuban can do it. We have the same rights as any
other person in the world and can get a telephone line," said Raul
Sanchez, a worker at one of Havana's shipping ports.
    Raul Castro has moved quickly to ease restrictions in the country since
succeeding his ailing older brother Fidel Castro as president in February.
    Cubans are now allowed to buy DVD players, computers and other
electronic goods, and stay at tourist hotels previously reserved only for
foreigners.
    But many Cubans say the prices of these newly available goods are
restrictive.
    "The prices are a bit high for [a Cuban] to buy, but it is
possible. Someone who wants one can get one now, but they can only get one
depending on the economic situation they are in," said Pedro Rivera, an
employee of the meat production company.
    At a store in Havana's historic district, the cheapest cell phone plan
was going for 70 convertible pesos (56 USD). The cost of the actual phone was
on top of that, and the final price was the equivalent of more than nine
months of state wages.
    The most expensive plan was 290 convertible pesos (232 USD).
    Most the customers, however, were enthused.
    "If you are driving around in a car and the car breaks down and
there is no one with you, it is somewhat difficult tracking down a telephone.
But if you have a cellphone you can call any of your friends that has a car
and they can help you out," said Manuel Rodriguez, a construction
worker.
    Cuba has the lowest rate of cellular telephone use in Latin America and
the service was restricted until now to foreigners or government officials and
employees.
    Customers will pay for their calls with prepaid cards bought in hard
currency, and can receive and make international calls.
    Cuban telecommunications monopoly ETECSA, a joint venture with Telecom
Italia announced last month it would begin selling the service.