Cuba lifts cell phone ban

HAVANA, March 28 (UPI) -- Cubans can now own cell phones according to a decree by President Raul Castro, the latest in a series of reforms by the new leader of the communist island.

While cell phone use will be unrestricted and available to the general public, many Cubans will still not have access to the service, as it must be paid for in foreign currency, restricting their usage to wealthier Cubans, the BBC reported Friday.

Earlier this month, Castro lifted another communication restriction by permitting personal Internet access for Cubans in their homes.