Havana, Cuba (CNN) For years, when Cubans talked about 3G mobile internet arriving on the communist-run island, it was with the same sarcasm that people in other countries reserve for discussions of flying pigs and hell freezing over.

However, on Thursday, officials with the government telecom provider for the first time offered internet access on cell phones, a key step toward easing Cubans' technological isolation.

Approximately 5.3 million Cubans have cell phones, a little less than half the island's population, according to figures released by the government.

Until now, Cubans could only receive and send email on their phones using cell phone networks through government accounts. Offering mobile service could finally help meet the pent-up demand for video chatting, social media and even e-commerce.

All day Thursday, groups of people could be seen mingling outside in Havana looking at their phones and trying to access the new service.

Read More