With the USA easing restrictions on Cuba, companies like Netflix are taking aim.
Netflix is now live and streaming in Cuba. Well, at least to the 5% of the population that has a strong enough Internet signal to view its programming. Netflix accounts will be made available for $8 a month to those that have a Internet signal strong enough to stream the video content.
“We are delighted to finally be able to offer Netflix to the people of Cuba, connecting them with stories they will love from all over the world,” Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and CEO, said in a press statement. “Cuba has great filmmakers and a robust arts culture and one day we hope to be able to bring their work to our global audience of 57 million members.”
Critics are wondering how well this move will go over. With the average monthly wage in Cuba currently at $20 a month, spending $8 of that on video streaming seems a little hard to swallow. Not to mention the infrastructure and technology needed to support their service is lacking or non-existent. Netflix stands by its plans for global expansion and believes Cuba is just the first of many steps.
I’m not convinced, though. With the government still in full control of Internet services, I have to wonder what kind of fees will be charged to companies or its citizens for the convenience of watching “House of Cards”. Only time will tell.
(Image Source: iCLIPART)
