article_snippet: A direct telephone line between Cuba and the United States has been re-established for the first time in 15 years.
article_snippet: U.S. calls to Cuba have typically been put through by companies in other countries like Italy and Spain.
article_snippet: But now an agreement has been signed  that allows Americans and Cubans to make direct phone calls.
article_snippet: A direct telephone line between the two countries has been re-established for the first time in 15 years . '
article_snippet: A direct telephone line between the two countries contributes to providing better infrastructure and better communications quality between the people and our two countries,' A direct telephone line between the two countries said.
article_snippet: The lines were originally cut after American phone companies refused to pay a 10 per cent tax on calls between the two countries.
article_snippet: Around two million Cuban-Americans are thought to live in the U.S. and many families rely on phone calls to stay in touch.
article_snippet: Havana residents use public phones to make calls in December 2000.
article_snippet: The Cuban government cut off direct telephone service from the United States to Cuba, although Cubans could still call the U.S. Residents are hoping that the step forward will lead to other services becoming available.
highlights_snippet: Calls previously had to be put through by companies in other countries .
  