President Raul Castro recently announced the end of restrictions on private cell phone use and ownership in Cuba by the general public.In conjunction with the government's decision, Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A., the state telecommunications firm, has unveiled the brand new official model that will be available for purchase by ordinary Cuban citizens.
The Che Gordo-M.1 is a proprietary Cuban design, utilizing technology which bounces radio signals off of airplanes flying overhead, along with a sophisticated voice amplification system that cuts out 80% of signal noise, including snap, crackle and pop.
Measuring just 18" by 12" by 6" and weighing just under 17 lbs., this portable wireless device's battery lasts for 29 minutes of talk time or 1.5 hours of standby when fully charged. The Che Gordo-M.1 comes with its' own hand crank for recharging.
Drab green military style carrying case is extra.
Also included is an FM radio function and tuning knobs, notes, calendar and contact list functions (3m sticky pad) and a cable attachment that allows the customer to run the phone off of a car battery.
The ETECSA has yet to make the official announcement, but sticker price is thought to be around 1, 967 Cuban Pesos.
