1Media Contact: 
Thomas Sullivan, (202) 418-0437
Thomas.Sullivan@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC INTERNATIONAL BUREAU REMOVES CUBA FROM THE EXCLUSION LIST
WASHINGTON, January 15, 2016 – The International Bureau today removed Cuba from the 
Commission’s Exclusion List for International Section 214 Authorizations, also known as the 
Exclusion List. The Exclusion List identifies countries and facilities that are not covered by 
grant of a global facilities-based Section 214 application and require a separate international 
Section 214.
By removing Cuba from the Exclusion list, the Commission opens the door for U.S. telecom 
carriers to provide facilities-based telephone and Internet service to Cuba without separate 
approval from the Commission. Cuba was the last remaining country on the Commission’s 
Exclusion List. Today’s Order becomes effective upon release.
Specifically, this action allows carriers seeking new international Section 214 authority for 
facilities-based service to Cuba to receive such authority sooner, and permits carriers with 
existing global Section 214 authority to provide services between the United States and Cuba 
without additional authorization.
Removing Cuba from the Exclusion List benefits the public interest as it will likely alleviate 
administrative and cost burdens on both the applicant and the Commission, and will promote 
competition on the U.S.-Cuba route.
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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
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www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order 
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).