Havana’s Hottest Spot Is a Crowded Ramp to WiFi Bliss

Less than 5 percent of Cubans have access to the internet. Among the many goals for the United States in restoring relations with Cuba is “Initiating new efforts to increase Cubans’ access to communications and their ability to communicate freely.” The Cuban government has since opened free wireless access in 35 locations around the country, including five in Havana: “Walk along La Rampa on a typical evening and the sidewalks are jammed with young Cubans, their faces lit up by the blue glow of laptops, tablets and phones,” writes Nick Miroff for the Washington Post. “Instead of offering mobile data plans through the state telecom monopoly, or residential service, the government has wired up a series of large Chinese-made Huawei antennas at a handful of outdoor locations like La Rampa, turning sidewalks and parks into sprawling Web lounges.” Cuba hopes to have half its population online by 2020, planning to give priority to schools, hospitals and public institutions. Miroff describes the festive atmosphere of the crowded spots that promote camaraderie and quick person-to-person sharing of new discoveries when use of the service is maxed out. – YaleGlobal