US FCC lifts ban on telecom investment in Cuba

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken Cuba off its restriction list, meaning that US companies will be allowed to invest in Cuba's telecom market without specific approval from the commission.

The FCC said in a press release that Cuba was the last remaining country on the list and that the decision was effective immediately. Carriers will see the permitting process reduced and operators that already had existing global authorization can extend their services to Cuba without additional approval.

This is another step towards bringing Cuba into the telecom international market, as development of the island's sector will be significantly easier with the US changing its legislation.

Since the rekindling of relations between the US and Cuba last year, changes have been afoot on the island regarding the telecom sector and investment.

Various US companies have announced the start of operations in Cuba, from streaming service Netflix to accommodation website AirBnB, and operators such as Verizon and Sprint, which have started roaming services in the country.