The vandal acts against the state and sole Telecommunications Company of Cuba S.A. (ETECSA) network in Holguín show no signs of slowing down: so far in 2025, there have been 12 attacks on external infrastructure, resulting in interrupted services and users without connection, while the entity resorts more to moral appeals than to concrete measures.
Half of the incidents (six) were concentrated in the main municipality, followed by Urbano Noris with two cases, while incidents were also reported in Cacocum, Moa, Calixto García, and Rafael Freyre. The main targets are telephone drop wires, UTP cables from wifi areas, and fiber optic lines, reported the official newspaper ¡Ahora!
Iliana Fernández Pérez, the institutional communicator for ETECSA, called for civic awareness and the protection of collective resources: “Each of us must take on a more active role, because collective property must be preserved just as much as individual property.” She also emphasized that the solution involves “reporting, educating, and promoting respect for public spaces.”
But in the midst of a prolonged economic crisis, where deterioration and impunity are on the rise, many wonder if those words are enough.
Beyond the calls for civic responsibility, the note mentions no concrete measures to prevent these acts: neither an increase in security, nor investment in monitoring technologies, nor improvements in community surveillance systems. The reaction seems to be more focused on lamenting the events rather than preventing them.
The economic impact of these thefts was also not reported, nor whether the responsible parties have been identified or if there are legal proceedings underway. The lack of concrete information reinforces the perception of impunity and negligence.
This type of rhetoric is becoming increasingly disconnected from the concrete reality of citizens, who do not see tangible results in service quality or accountability in its management. Insisting that the population must take on the role of "vigilant guardian" of an infrastructure that does not even provide stable or efficient service is not only ineffective but also a way to shift responsibilities that primarily belong to the company.
In early May, the state telecommunications monopoly reported vandalic acts against the company's networks, which left hundreds of Cubans in East Havana, Marianao, and Central Havana without phone service.
In the case of the fire in a telephone cabinet in Marianao, users on social media did not rule out the possibility that it was an intentional fire set by someone.
At that moment, ETECSA officials did not provide any information about arrests or investigations to locate those who may have committed the acts. They also did not explain whether there is any surveillance method in those areas that would allow them to identify the alleged perpetrators of the vandalism.
Officials claimed that the entity lacks sufficient financial resources to modernize the infrastructure.
In April, authorities from the company blamed individuals using illegal equipment, as well as social indiscipline and vandalistic acts for the deterioration of the quality of phone and mobile network services in the country, against a backdrop of severe economic and financial tensions.
Kevin Castro Rodríguez, deputy director of the Operations vice-presidency of ETECSA, stated that the use of non-certified antennas and repeaters interferes with the signal of the base stations, which directly impacts the functioning of the network in specific areas of the country.
Regarding the acts of vandalism and theft that have been reported, the official claimed it was impossible to constantly supervise the infrastructures and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any damage or vandalism to the number 118.
He assured that those responsible or instigators of these events who were captured have been handed over to the relevant authorities, and warned that, at times, such actions aim to undermine the order and internal security of the country.
The interruption of telecommunications services directly affects the daily lives of Cuban citizens, who rely on public phone services and internet access to communicate and work. The lack of telecommunications services adds another layer of difficulty to the already challenging daily life in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vandalism and the Situation of ETECSA in Cuba
How many acts of vandalism has ETECSA suffered in Holguín in 2025?
ETECSA has recorded 12 vandalistic attacks in Holguín in 2025, severely affecting its infrastructure and telecommunications services in the region.
What types of damage have vandalistic acts caused to ETECSA?
Vandalism acts against ETECSA have included the theft of copper and fiber optic cables, fires in telephone cabinets, and cuts to high-capacity cables, which have interrupted fixed and mobile phone services, as well as access to the internet.
How does the lack of investment in ETECSA affect its services?
The lack of investment in ETECSA has led to an increase in congestion and slow network speed, hindering the company's ability to modernize its infrastructure and improve service quality in a context of high demand and currency shortages.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the thefts and vandalism at ETECSA?
The Cuban government has implemented "neighborhood debates" to mobilize the population against vandalism, but these measures have been criticized as more social control tactics than effective solutions to the structural problems faced by ETECSA.
What impact do cable thefts have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The cable thefts have left hundreds of Cubans without telephone and internet services, impacting their ability to communicate and work in a country where these services are already inadequate due to economic and infrastructure issues.
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