Sprint will offer direct roaming in Cuba

US telephone operator company Sprint will offer direct roaming in Cuba through a contract made today with the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA).

Marcelo Claure, President and CEO of the US telecom company, was present during the signing ceremony in Havana, as a member of the U.S.-Cuba Business Council (USCBC) delegation. The USCBC organization is part of the US Chamber of Commerce.

With roaming, people visiting Cuba will be able to communicate with family and friends on the island using their own phones without the need to obtain other phones within the Cuban country. Sprint customers can make calls from the US to Cuba at affordable prices, or calls to the US and other countries from the island.

“As the commercial relationship between the U.S. and Cuba continues to progress, it is expected that the number of travelers to Cuba will increase exponentially,” said Claure. “We want to make sure any Sprint customer traveling to Cuba can use their phone the same way as they do in the United States.”

For the 3+ million people estimated to travel to Cuba this year, this service can keep families and friends connected in both countries. It is anticipated the number of visitors to Cuba will reach 5 million over the next 10 years.

When compared to Sprint, Verizon offers the same service since September but indirectly through a third company.

Sprint has not yet given information about the start and the price for this service.

[Source]: Sprint: Sprint First U.S. Carrier to Sign Direct Cuba Roaming Agreement.