"This is evidence of a generational change and a symbol that an isolated country like Cuba is moving to a 21st century environment," he says.

But the hope is more for the future than the present as the access to the internet for the average Cuban is minimal, he says.

The government has to approve the purchase of a computer. Only tourists can connect from a few internet cafes and hotels, and then at very high prices in US dollars. High officials have access, but it isn't given freely – their online use is monitored at all times, and many internet sites are blocked.

Because of the level of restrictions, it is difficult to quantify the blogging movement in Cuba.
The only opportunity is to contribute to sites outside of Cuba.

Bloggers tend to focus on social issues like poverty, not politics, Mr Garcia says. "Cuban bloggers do not make a strong opposition. They aren't organised. They just fight against the asphyxiation that Cubans experience."