Verizon to offer roaming in Cuba

Verizon will be the first American wireless carrier to offer roaming in Cuba, the company said Thursday.

Customers of the largest wireless provider in the country will be able to opt in to the roaming option, assuming they have a compatible device.

The prices are steep: Calls will cost $2.99 per minute, while data clocks in at $2.05 per megabyte used.

{mosads}“By offering international services while traveling in Cuba, we are making it simple and easy for our customers to stay connected wherever and whenever they choose,” Vice President of Cultural and Segment Marketing Javier Farfan said in a statement.

Last year, the White House announced plans to thaw relations with the island nation. Though there is still a trade and travel embargo, the new policy expanded the number of exemptions available to American corporations looking to do business in Cuba. One of the exceptions covers telecommunications equipment and services.

Previously, customers had to buy a pre-paid phone plan from the state-run wireless carrier, which does not offer mobile data, according to Reuters. The wire service reported that U.S. firm Boost Mobile offers a pre-paid plan in Cuba.

Tech companies are expected to make inroads in Cuba under the new policies. Airbnb, the lodging startup, began operating in Cuba in April and says many customers are interested in finding places to stay in the country. Netflix has also said it will pursue business on the island, though many Cubans lack the Internet access needed to stream video.

The thaw with Cuba is controversial in Washington, with Republicans and some Democrats criticizing the Obama administration’s perceived friendliness with the Castro regime. Supporters say the move will be good for Cubans.