The government of Raul Castro began selling mobile phones to the general public today. Hundreds of Cubans have lined up at state-owned telephone offices to take advantage of this technical wonder.

The cheapest mobile phone costs the equivalent of more than nine months of state wages and yet thousands are expected to buy a handset in the near future. Calls will be paid for with prepaid cards bought with hard currency, and can receive and make international calls.

“It is a very good measure, but what we earn does not correspond with the price,” said 33-year-old Gustavo, who nevertheless waited with around 100 others at an office in Havana’s colonial district to buy the service.