Telecom Regulatory ConsultingAs more Americans consider visiting Cuba to take advantage of recently eased travel restrictions, there are a few things the FCC would like you to know about your mobile phone capabilities. Here are several questions (and answers) provided by the Commission that you may want to consider as you make your plans.

Will my U.S. mobile phone work in Cuba?cuba

Not in most cases. Although many non-U.S. international mobile phone companies have roaming agreements with ETECSA (the Cuban national telecommunications company), U.S. carriers currently do not have such arrangements and do not yet provide roaming service in Cuba. However, Cubacel (ETECSA’s mobile phone arm) allows visitors from the United States to rent a SIM card with pre-paid minutes in amounts of CUC 10, 20, or 40 (US $10, $20, or $40), plus a daily rental fee for the SIM card of CUC 3 (US $3) for use in your own phone. The phone must be a GSM unlocked phone. Contact your wireless provider to check whether your phone operates on the compatible standard and request that your carrier unlock your mobile phone.

Mobile Telecom ServiceCan I buy or rent a mobile phone in the U.S. to use in Cuba?

Yes. There are some specialized mobile phone companies that provide travel phones for Cuba and other countries. Before you leave for Cuba, you can rent a compatible mobile phone from companies such as Cellular Abroad (offered by National Geographic), Cello Mobile, or Mobal for use in Cuba. In addition to daily rental fees, you should expect to pay approximately $3 per minute of call time and up to $1.50 per outgoing text message. Depending on the type of phone rented, data may also be available at an additional cost.

 

Can I access the Internet in Cuba?

 

Yes. There are some specialized mobile phone companies that provide travel phones for Cuba and other countries. Before you leave for Cuba, you can rent a compatible mobile phone from companies such as Cellular Abroad (offered by National Geographic), Cello Mobile, or Mobal for use in Cuba. In addition to daily rental fees, you should expect to pay approximately $3 per minute of call time and up to $1.50 per outgoing text message. Depending on the type of phone rented, data may also be available at an additional cost.

 

In larger cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba, ETECSA runs an increasing number of telepuntos, or small Internet cafés. You can purchase an access ticket at the telepuntos that will provide you with a username and password, allowing you to log on to the public computers and use the Internet by the minute or the hour. Internet access costs approximately $4.50 per hour. Connection speeds vary widely and may not support voice or video calls. Many of the larger hotels also have either a computer or business center where you can purchase Internet access at an average price of US $6 – $10 per hour. You should check Internet availability and charges at your intended hotel before booking and travel.


Cuba Mobile Telecom Service

You will also find answers to the following questions in the Consumer Guide:

 

Can I rent a mobile phone in Cuba to use in Cuba?

Can people in the U.S. call me in Cuba?

How can I place phone calls to the U.S. from Cuba?

Is there WiFi in Cuba?

 

To access the complete copy of the FCC’s “Telecommunications FAQs for Travelers to Cuba,” please click here.

 

 

Rural Call Completion Reporting

 

 

Contact Inteserra About 477 Support