Explore Culture, Economics and Technology in Cuba

Have you ever thought of traveling to Cuba? Are you curious about the country’s access to technology and the Internet, and how easing foreign relations will impact Cuba moving forward? If so, then there’s a trip coming up that has YOU written all over it.

Altruvistas and Community Technology Network (CTN) — a U.S. based organization that works to transform lives through digital literacy — have teamed up to create a journey of technological discovery in Cuba.

Culture, Economics and Technology in Cuba is a delegation designed as both a general introduction to Cuba as well as focused on its technology policies and practices, especially pertinent to community development. A portion of the trip proceeds will go towards supporting CTN’s mission.

The journey will take place April 9-17th, 2016 and there are spots open now for those interested in going. This trip will be a unique opportunity to observe Cuba at a pivotal point in time as its government, NGOs, and social institutions work together to close their digital divide.

What Will an End to the Embargo Mean for Cuba’s Technological Future? 

It was huge news when the U.S. and Cuban presidents announced that both countries would set a new course on the path towards normalized relations in December 2014.

An end to the U.S.’s Cuban embargo will mean big changes for various sectors of the Caribbean nation, but one specific arena stirring up lots of wonder and speculation is technology development and Internet access.

The US embargo, which was imposed in 1960, has included major technology restrictions. As a result, Cuba’s current telecommunications infrastructure pales in comparison to most of the rest of the world.

Consider these stats: Online access is limited to 25% of Cuba’s population, mostly to the Cuban Intranet, with only 5% accessing the Internet.

The International Business Times says, “The Cuban government allows only certain professionals to have limited Internet access at home. They include some state workers, artists and academics.” The few Cubans who do have worldwide Internet access pay handsomely for it, and still the speeds are slow.

Where Cuba is at and is headed technologically is a popular topic of discussion these days. One Huffington Post article describes Cuba as “Half a Century Behind in Technology”.

But as technology writer Patrick Thibodeau points out, “Cuba is on the threshold of getting, potentially, a massive technology upgrade, thanks to a U.S. decision to ease economic sanctions.”

Some believe that if the government doesn’t impede it, Cuba could be on the verge of a technology boom. Harley Shaiken, chairman of the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley said, “The government has been very reluctant to have open Internet access,” adding “there is real hunger for technology.” Referring to the easing of the embargo, Shaiken said the government “will be facing new pressures.”

But Cuba is in a pickle. As Computerworld explains, “Cuba has an educated population craving technology, but it has little income for new tech.” Even with 100% approval from the government, technologically speaking, getting Cuba into the 21st century will be no easy feat.

Explained by Computerworld:

Cuba’s entry into the modern high-tech era will require improvements to its electrical grid, a buildout and upgrade of its wireless networks and IT workforce training. This will not be easy, and it may not happen swiftly.

Join the Culture, Economics and Technology in Cuba Delegation

Joining the Culture, Economics and Technology in Cuba delegation is Kami Griffiths, Founder of CTN. She points out, “We’re living in such an interesting time when people in less developed countries are connected (to Internet) but then you’ve got a country so close to us (Cuba) that is excluded from that.”

Kami is eager to see and experience Cuba now, while it’s in its technological infancy, and then return in a few years to discover what’s changed. Of course, she understands that cultural differences will play a significant role in all this, but she senses there are many things Americans can learn from Cubans and vice versa. She hopes to exchange information and make connections with likeminded people she meets during her visit that she can reconnect with down the road.

Kami says Cuba is at a “unique time in history when things are bound to change rapidly.” During the trip, she will lead a discussion about digital inclusion, and participants will meet with a variety of people and organizations.

Interestingly, CTN’s work begins once Internet and technology is in place. For instance, the organization helps facilitate technology trainings, but those trainings happen because of existing infrastructure. Addressing digital inclusion for all in a country where the majority of people don’t have Internet access presents its own challenges.

This trip is your chance to join Kami and others as you experience Cuba for yourself, and seek answers to questions about Cuba like:

• What are people doing to connect now?
• How has the new access already changed things, like AirBNB entering the market?
• The increase in public access points and wifi arenas has received some attention, but what is the commitment to increase infrastructure development, online access, and equitable access look like?
• How do they plan on making that happen?

The tour will be a unique opportunity to observe Cuba at a pivotal point in time as the government, NGOs, and its social institutions work together to close their digital divide. To get a sense of what to expect, a pdf of the itinerary is posted online.

How fun would it be to say ‘I was there when’ — before Cuba’s technological metamorphosis takes shape? (Not to mention–before the flood gates open and a stream of tourists pours in.) For those who join this delegation, you’re one trip away from being able to do just that.