Cell phone costs slashed for Cubans

HAVANA December 11. 2008 (AP) — It's now a little bit easier to activate a cell phone in Cuba. Cuba's telephone monopoly Etecsa is cutting the cost of activating a cellular phone from $120 to about $65 — a move that could put the once-restricted devices in the hands of more ordinary citizens. In April, the government opened cellular phone service to any Cuban who can afford it. Previously, only foreigners and Cubans holding key government jobs could have cell phones. Customers still must buy a phone card for the calls. Making or receiving local calls costs 30 cents a minute. Calls to the U.S. are $2.70 a minute. Cell phones are still out of reach for most Cubans, whose salaries average about $20 month.