Netflix is now streaming TV, movies, and more to Cuba, the company announced Monday, but customers there need a coveted Internet connection and a way to pay.
"Netflix began offering its service in Latin America in 2011 and now counts over 5 million members,"
the company said on its website.
"Starting today, people in Cuba with Internet connections and access to international payment methods will be able to subscribe to Netflix and instantly watch a curated selection of popular movies and TV shows."
The U.S. has restricted trade and travel to Cuba since 1962, however the launch of the new service in the communist-controlled island nation is at the forefront of a thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations that President Obama announced in December.
According to CNET.com, Netflix is unlikely to reach many customers in Cuba, as only 25 percent of its 11 million citizens use the Internet and just 12 percent of households have a computer. At-home Internet access is generally $40 a month, however it is tightly controlled by state-owned telecom monopoly Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba (ETECSA).
One interesting aspect of the launch is that it opens the door for Netflix executives to explore the option of bringing Cuban-made content to the rest of the world.
"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 over 57 million members," said Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings.
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