Cuba signs deal for faster internet access to Google content

BBC ^ | 12 December 2016

[Jeff Chandler]

Cuba's state-run telecommunications company Etecsa has signed a deal with Google that will enable faster access to content from the American company.

Under the deal, the technology giant will install servers in Cuba to improve connectivity speeds to Google services, including Gmail and YouTube.

Google and Etecsa have reached their agreement in the final weeks of Barack Obama's presidency.

It is not clear whether his successor will change US policies towards Cuba.

President Obama restored relations with Cuba earlier this year, after more than five decades of hostility between the two former Cold War rivals.

Donald Trump has made arguments both for and against improved ties with the communist-run nation since being elected last month.

But there is some uncertainty on the island as to what his definitive policy will be, says the BBC's Will Grant in Havana.

[RightInTheMain]

With the new mandatory Google Cuba plug in, Chrome will now return state propaganda whenever you search for terms like “homemade boats,” “property rights,” “freedom,” or “best route to Miami.”