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After the recent end of the cell phone ban in Cuba, locals have been lining up to get their very first mobile phones. Monday morning, Cuban locals were eager to get their mobile phones from state-owned phone offices after many decades of being deprived of hi-tech gadgets.

Reforms in Cuba brought about by its new President Raul Castro have allowed Cubans to get cell phones as well as DVD players and computers with Internet access even if restricted. All these electronic goods come with a high price tag though.

For years, a number of Cubans have been fortunate to own their cellphones, however, illegally, through foreigners who were the only ones authorized to own phones in the country. With this newfound freedom, more people can freely make calls and buy their own units. At the Havana colonial district office, more than 100 Cubans waited in line to buy their cellphones to use their new prepaid service. The cheapest cell phone costs $65 which is a lot considering that the average stage wage is only $18 per month.

This is good news for most Cubans because now, they no longer have to ask foreigners to help them. This lifting of ban is among the many changes Cuba has experienced ever since Raul Castro took over his ailing brother Fidel Castro. So after the cell phones, I wonder what’s next to become available?

Read [Reuters]