Frank Underwood Comes to Havana (Sort of)
The number of people doing marathons in Cuba is about to increase in the following year. Less than two months after the United States decided to re-establish diplomatic and economic relations with Cuba, Netflix, one the world’s largest Internet streaming providers, launched in Cuba. Many wonder what effect Netflix will have on a country that only two months ago prohibited listening to or watching any independent or privately owned radio or television station.
Some think that access to Netflix will serve as “democracy promotion” in the Communist state. However even if Western media serves to advocate for democracy, there are huge barriers in Cuba preventing citizens from accessing Netflix. First, only about 5% of citizens in Cuba have access to open Internet according to Internet freedom watchdog Freedom House. This is largely due to cost since the average salary in Cuba is $20 a month. Second, even if a Cuban managed to afford an Internet connection, Netflix would cost an additional $7.99 a month, which represents nearly half his or her monthly earnings.
Third, even if someone in Cuba has access to the Internet and can afford Netflix, Netflix only accepts forms of “international payments.” However, Cubans don’t have credit cards nor are they allowed to hold foreign bank accounts. This means that Cubans may only access Netflix by getting someone outside of the country to pay for it for them or by using a relative or friend’s Netflix password. Fourth, even if someone has Internet access and can get access to Netflix, the average Internet speed in Cuba is 1.38 Mbps, which is insufficient for streaming.
Even though Netflix launched in Cuba, few if any people will be able to take advantage of their services even if they wanted to – at least, not yet. One part of President Obama’s negotiations with Cuba is expanding Internet access for Cubans. This would at least ease the hurdles of accessing Netflix and being able to stream from the website. Other aspects of the negotiations include higher remittance rates, more tourism, and increased access to credit and debit cards, which may raise Cuban salaries to the point where Netflix could become relatively affordable. As one representative from Netflix said, “We understand there are short-term limitations but hope that over time Cubans will be able to enjoy Netflix access.”
As those in Cuba begin to watch Netflix, those in the United States will watch Cuba to observe the effects it has on the government and democratization. Internet is undoubtedly one of the best means America has to communicate its cultural and political values to the people of Cuba. Though, as Frank Underwood says, “Democracy is so overrated.” The question is, will Cuban citizens agree?