Havana, February 19 (RHC) -– Cuba has temporarily reduced the hourly charge for using state-run Internet cafes. The decision will see rates cut by 50 percent until April 10th. Internet centers previously charged $4.50 CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) an hour. The promotion gives users two hours and 16 minutes for $5.00 CUC.

Cuba announced last month that it plans to open an additional 136 Internet centers around the country this year.

Prices have also been cut at some hotels, now averaging $4.50 to $6.00 CUC an hour.

Cuba has been making efforts in recent years to improve access to communication technologies. The island still suffers from a serious lack of connectivity, mainly due to poor investment and limitations resulting from U.S. economic sanctions.