VOA慢速英语：古巴网络覆盖有待完善

Cubais one of a few countries whose people still havevery limited use of the Internet. But some Internet usersthere have developed their own computer networks tocommunicate, share documents and even play games.

Many young people in Cuba use their mobile devices atgovernment-operated community centers to get freeInternet connections. This young man, named Kevin,likes the free connectivity.

He says that “Even though the community centerconnection doesn’t have the highest speed, it is free.You can get on the Internet, most of the time.”

Only a limited number of Cuban citizens have privateInternet connections. Such connections are costly inCuba. Foreigners can use the Internet at hotels, but the service is often pricey.

The Cuban government’s promises of greater connectivity remain unfulfilled. But private citizens do own computers. And some of them are forming localnetworks to experiment, connect and communicate with others.

Marlon is a young computer user.

He says that, “By creating a local network, we created servers with gameswhere people share with each other, they exchange ideas, debate all kinds ofsubjects -- sports, culture, music.”

Cables and wiring usually go over tops of buildings. One cable can connect asmany as 10 people in the same neighborhood.

Cubans know that computer game lovers in other countries play incompetitions against gamers from faraway lands. They hope that somedaythey will be able to compete in gaming events over the Internet, too.

But the Cuban government’s fear of the free flow of information may hampertheir wishes for some time.

I’m Jonathan Evans.

VOA’s George Putic reported on this story. Triwik Kurniasari adapted it forLearning English. George Grow was the editor.

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Words in This Story

mobile– adj. able to be moved

unfulfilled – v. not yet come true

servers – n. the main computer in a network which provides files andservices that are used by other computers in the network

hamper – v. to slow movement; to limit or restrict