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Blockade also Damages Communications with Cuba Luben Lino Perez, Granma Daily, October 21, 2010 Computing and communications have also been affected by the continuing commercial, economic and financial blockade by the U.S. government against Cuba imposed for more than half a century. In this sector, in recent times Cuba has been unable collect revenues in excess of $61,240,000 U.S. dollars, according to the report to be presented to the UN General Assembly on October 26, when a vote will be taken. Despite the talks which started in September 2009 between the Post Office of Cuba and the United States Postal Service, the anti-Cuban barrier still prevents direct mail transmission, says the text. If there were a possible increase in postal traffic between the two countries, it is estimated that Havana would receive a benefit of not less than one and a half million dollars. By contrast it adds, the Telecomunicaciones de Cuba Company has lost about $53 million dollars through production and services losses, additional expenses for freight, and material damage due to the lack of access to American technology. The report specifies that the purchase of equipment and spare parts from U.S. companies, which are essential for local authorities, must be done on the international market, under tight control and supervision, and at a considerably increased cost. It cites the case of Cubaelectrónica, which cannot access very many websites, like www.vivalinux.com.ar, in Argentina, "where all the source solutions are stored that software developers need for their work." The document also denounces that Cuba is banned from importing computers produced by the major manufacturers worldwide, including IBM. The Cuban Software Company has had to cut ties with its counterparts in Costa Rica and Spain, due to their fears of being fined or reprisals for trading with Cuba, which has meant the suspension of projects and the corresponding monetary losses.