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The recent announcement of an increase in internet rates in Cuba for the year 2025, made by the Cuban government on December 19, has sparked a wave of criticism and public debate on social media.
According to Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, during the session of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) last week, the new rates include increases in mobile data packages and other navigation services offered by the state-run Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA).
This adjustment has been justified by the entity as a necessary measure to cover the increase in operating costs in an adverse economic context, which means that the state entity requires foreign currency and will turn to Cubans living abroad for this purpose.
However, the response from Cubans was swift. Social media users expressed their outrage with messages such as: “We hope that 2025 surprises us with good offers, always remembering that we are the customers who are in Cuba and not in the United States… And it would be about time to offer unlimited internet.”
Another person pointed out that "what is needed is for them to implement more affordable rates that are in line with the poor connectivity in the country."
A user commented on ETECSA's work, stating: "Always looking for and finding the best way to mess with the customer; this year they receive their little diploma."
The complaints refer to the disconnect between the rates and the economic reality of the population, whose average income is insufficient to afford the service.
"In the end, all the measures only make life worse for the everyday Cuban; nothing to improve it, always trying to solve their problems at the expense of the people's pockets. 'You don't surprise us!' summed up one person."
This situation escalated on Monday, December 23, when, in response to criticism, ETECSA issued a statement denying some of the figures circulating on social media regarding the new rates, which it claimed were from a plan promoted in 2021.
Despite this effort to clarify the information, the rejection remained strong. Many users felt that the state-owned company's response did not address the underlying issues: the high costs in relation to average wages and the perception of inadequate service.
For the moment, the increase presents another challenge for Cubans, who will need to adapt to the new conditions in order to maintain their connectivity in an increasingly complicated economic context.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Internet Rates in Cuba
Why has the Cuban government decided to increase internet fees?
The Cuban government has decided to raise internet fees in order to attract more foreign currency due to the severe economic crisis the country is facing. The aim is to adjust the offers in national currency (MN) and encourage the consumption of packages in foreign currency, which would generate more revenue in dollars, particularly from Cubans living abroad.
What changes will ETECSA implement regarding the internet packages?
ETECSA will introduce new internet packages and services in foreign currency, as well as adjust the rates in national currency with a consumption limit. Users who wish to exceed this limit will have to pay additional fees in foreign currency, as part of a strategy to attract more dollars to the country.
How has the population reacted to the announcements of internet rate increases?
The population has reacted with widespread discontent to the announcements of increased internet tariffs, expressing their dissatisfaction mainly on social media. The Cuban regime is facing criticism for creating an "economic apartheid" that affects those who can only pay in national currency, while privileging those with access to foreign currency.
What other economic measures is the Cuban government taking to address the economic crisis?
In addition to raising internet fees, the Cuban government has implemented measures such as accepting cash payments in dollars in strategic sectors and establishing tariffs in foreign currency for imports in the non-state sector. These measures aim to attract more foreign currency and control the partial dollarization of the economy, although they face challenges due to the informal currency market and the structural economic crisis.
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