It's now a little bit easier to activate a cellphone in Cuba.

Cuba's telephone monopoly Etecsa is cutting the cost of activating a cellular phone from US$120 to about US$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 cellphones.

Customers still must buy a phone card for the calls. Making or receiving local calls costs 30 cents a minute. Calls to the United States are US$2.70 a minute.

Cellphones are still out of reach for most Cubans, whose salaries average about US$20 per month.

- AP

Taken from the Financial Gleaner, Friday December 12, 2008.