Havana: Cuba announced plans on Wednesday for a new 24-hour television channel to begin airing at some point during the year.

This will be the fifth state-run Cuban television station and will broadcast foreign content, according to a government media official

Since taking over from his brother in February, Raul Castro has brought forward a number of reforms.

Cubans are now allowed to purchase mobile phone service, DVDs, and other foreign appliances, and can also stay in hotels previously restricted to officials and tourists.