A direct telephone line between Cuba and the United States has been re-established for the first time in 15 years . U.S. calls to Cuba have typically been put through by companies in other countries like Italy and Spain . But now an agreement has been signed that allows Americans and Cubans to make direct phone calls . Etecsa , Cuban 's state telecommunications company , said the change would make calls easier and more affordable . President Barack Obama , pictured at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference , declared the end of America 's 'outdated approach ' to Cuba . A direct telephone line between the two countries has been re-established for the first time in 15 years . 'It contributes to providing better infrastructure and better communications quality between the people and our two countries , ' it said . The move marks a historic shift in U.S policy , which aims to bring an end to half a century of Cold War tensions . The lines were originally cut after American phone companies refused to pay a 10 per cent tax on calls between the two countries . But President Barack Obama declared the end of America 's 'outdated approach ' to Cuba in December , announcing the re-establishment of diplomatic relations as well as economic and travel ties with the communist island . At the time he said : 'Isolation has not worked . It 's time for a new approach . 'We will end an outdated approach that , for decades , has failed to advance our interests . ' Around two million Cuban-Americans are thought to live in the U.S. and many families rely on phone calls to stay in touch . Bill Pereira , CEO of Etecsa , said : 'We hope that this is the beginning of something , of a relationship that will allow us to build and grow and facilitate and ease communication between family members and loved ones . ' Havana residents use public phones to make calls in December 2000 . 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 . Less than a quarter of Cubans , whose average wage is $ 20 per month , currently have any type of internet service . Virtually all home connections remain illegal and getting online at government centres is very expensive , as they charge between $ 2.50 and $ 4.50 an hour . Obama set connectivity as a priority in the United States ' new relationship with Cuba , making telecommunications equipment , technology and services among its first priorities .
Calls previously had to be put through by companies in other countries . Change should make calls easier and more affordable for residents . Historic shift in U.S. policy as Obama declares end to 'outdated approach '