Cubans Line Up to Buy Cellular Phones for First Time

HAVANA (Reuters) -Hundreds of Cubans lined up at state-owned telephone offices on Mondayas the new government under President Raul Castro began sellingcellular phone service to the general public for the first time.

Thousands were expected to take advantage of the opportunity in thecoming days, even though opening the service and buying the cheapestmobile phone was priced at the equivalent of more than nine months ofstate wages.

"It is a very good measure, but what we earn does not correspondwith the price," said 33-year-old Gustavo, who nevertheless waited witharound 100 others at an office in Havana’s colonial district to buy theservice.

Raul Castro has moved quickly to ease restrictions in the communistcountry since succeeding his ailing older brother Fidel Castro aspresident in February.

Cubans are now allowed to buy DVD players, computers and otherelectronic goods, and stay at tourist hotels previously reserved onlyfor foreigners.

Cuba has the lowest rate of cellular telephone use in Latin Americaand the service was restricted until now to foreigners or governmentofficials and employees.

Customers will pay for their calls with prepaid cards bought in hard currency, and can receive and make international calls.

Cuban telecommunications monopoly ETECSA, a joint venture with Telecom Italia (TLIT.MI: Quote, Profile, Research), announced last month it would begin selling the service.

(Additional reporting by Rosa Tana Valdez and Nelson Acosta; Editing by Kieran Murray)