Cuba's state telecom agency Etecsa has granted approval to the artist Kcho to open the country's first public wireless hub at his cultural centre.

Kcho, who has close ties to the Cuban government, is operating the hub using his own, government-approved internet connection, and paying approximately $900 (£600) per month to run it.

Only an estimated 5% - 25% of Cubans have any type of internet service.

Artist Kcho operates a cultural centre in western Havana that is mostly frequented by young people

That is because internet access is incredibly expensive.

For instance, an hour of internet access at a cafe can cost $4.50 - nearly a week's wages for the average Cuban.

Kcho told the Associated Press he decided to offer free internet at the centre, which opened in western Havana in January, in order to encourage Cubans to familiarise themselves with the internet.

(Source: BBC)