US Allows Telecommunication Carriers to Provide Services in Cuba

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US administration permits all country’s telecommunication carriers to provide services between the United States and Cuba, according to a new US Federal Communications Commission order.

"We agree…that removing Cuba from the Exclusion List will make it easier for US facilities based carriers to initiate service to Cuba, promote open communications, and help foster bilateral communications between the United States and Cuba," the order, issued on Friday, said.

The Federal Communications Commission said the order is effective immediately.

The United States included Cuba on the communications exclusion list in 1996. Carriers seeking to provide service with Havana were required to apply for a special application coordinated with the US State Department.

In October 2015, the US administration suggested to remove limits on telecommunications with Cuba following US President Barack Obama’s announcement to restore diplomatic relations with Havana.