Carr Backs Governor DeSantis Call to End Cuba’s Internet Blockade
Biden Administration Support Would Unleash American Industry to Provide
Connectivity Remotely to the Cuban People

MIAMI, FLORIDA, July 14, 2021—Today, Commissioner Brendan Carr spoke with Governor Ron DeSantis about the Governor’s call to unleash American enterprises to deliver Internet service to the Cuban people from remote locations in light of the communist regime’s Internet shutdowns.  Governor DeSantis has urged the Biden Administration to provide the federal support needed for American businesses to provide this critical connectivity.  Commissioner Carr issued the following statement:

“Governor DeSantis’s call for the Biden Administration to provide the necessary support for American businesses to deliver Internet service to the Cuban people is exactly right.  While Cuba’s communist regime is blocking Internet access in an effort to hide their brutal crackdown on freedom, American enterprises have the technical capability to beam connectivity to the Cuban people and help power their real and ongoing struggle for life and liberty.  With the backing and authorization of the federal government, these private sector innovators can get to work immediately.

“Indeed, it is imperative that the U.S. immediately expand our efforts on behalf of the Cuban people.  Radio Televisión Martí, run by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, has broadcast news and information into Cuba since the 1980s.  Radio Televisión Martí continues to broadcast and deliver messages of freedom to the people of Cuba.  It is time to build on this model and include the delivery of Internet service. 

“Internet shutdowns are increasingly becoming a tool of tyranny for authoritarian regimes across the globe.  America must stand against this anti-democratic tactic and move with haste to provide Internet freedom to the Cuban people.  Opposition from Havana—a regime that actively works to block Radio Televisión Martí’s signals—is expected.  We must not be deterred.  We should do everything in our power to ensure that the Cuban people have the power of connectivity and the ability to share their fight for freedom with the world.” 

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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr
Media Contact:  Greg Watson
(202) 418-0658 or greg.watson@fcc.gov