PUBLIC ALLOWED INTERNET ACCESS ON MOBILE PHONES

HAVANA For the first time, average Cubans became eligible to sign up for internet service for mobile phones Thursday, a development long awaited on the communist-ruled island. Users began receiving text messages from the state telephone monopoly informing them that they can buy internet access packages for 3G service.

Previously, most Cubans could use their phones only to get their state-run email accounts unless they connected to the internet at a limited number of government-sponsored Wi-Fi spots. Government officials and foreign businesspeople could use their mobiles anywhere to access the 3G network in recent years.

The internet is mostly uncensored in Cuba, although the government blocks a number of sites that advocate for change on the island.