NEWARK, N.J., March 12 (UPI) -- Direct telephone connections have been established between Cuba and the United States for the first time in 15 years.
Over the past 15 years, phone calls between the two countries had to be made via a third country, making them costly.
Cuba's state telecommunications company Etecsa reopened the direct link through an agreement with New Jersey-based IDT Domestic Telecom.
"The re-establishment of direct communications between the United States and Cuba contributes to providing better infrastructure and better communications quality between the people and our two countries," Etecsa said in a statement.
"Ultimately, the agreement will make it easier and more affordable for our customers to call friends and family in Cuba," IDT said.
The agreement is the first between the two countries since officials announced a new diplomatic relationship in December. The link is only for telephone calls but it could open the path to greater Internet access.
"We confirmed we are ready to receive U.S. telecom companies to explore business opportunities - business that could be of benefit to both sides," Josefina Vidal, the Cuban foreign ministry official heading the Cuban delegation, said in January.
