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The Cuban musician Abel Gerones has criticized the recent decision by ETECSA to limit top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to 360 monthly and to offer mobile data plans only in United States dollars (USD).
In a post on Facebook shared this Saturday, the singer-songwriter described the arbitrary measure aiming to reduce the possibilities of balance top-ups in order to offer extremely expensive packages as a "armed robbery."
"Our never sufficiently appreciated telecommunications company has the mission of collecting dollars and decided to go out and rob armedly some users who live by begging dollars from their relatives abroad (those who have them), and along the way took all those of us who do not have them," said the musician on the social network.
In his statement regarding the decision, he indicated that Cubans consume approximately 9.9 GB monthly of mobile data, and with the current restrictions, they would only be able to top up 6GB for 360 CUP.
Her criticism advocated for those who use the internet as a means of work, who may consume double the data and for whom there is no way to obtain a recharge from abroad.
"Besides the small detail that I don't know if you have noticed. Our beloved ETECSA calculated the dollar's value according to the informal market. You really have to be bold," he exclaimed, voicing his frustration with this type of action from the regime.
The fellow musician Adrián Berazaín added in the comments section that they didn't even notify anyone of the decision or consult with the Cubans.
"I would like to add to your post that they didn't even give prior notice about this decision (which they didn't consult, as you rightly point out). This time, you beat me to writing a very good song; you have my support, and I'm sharing it right now on my profile," he stated.
A wave of outrage has erupted on social media following the announcement from ETECSA.
Social media users have expressed their frustration over what they consider a massive exclusion of millions of citizens who do not have access to foreign currencies.
A young woman compared the situation with mobile data to the scarcity of bread in stores. "Even if you want more, you only get one a month. And this time, there's nowhere else to buy bread. Because ETECSA is the only option."
This is another step in the dollarization of the Cuban economy, where essential services, such as access to the Internet, are becoming privileges for those who receive remittances or have access to dollars.
ETECSA has justified the situation with the "need" to "sustain and develop the network". However, many view this excuse as a mockery, as the deficiencies in service, data outages, and exorbitant prices have been consistent for years.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Measures and Dollarization in Cuba
Why has ETECSA limited top-ups in Cuban pesos to 360 CUP per month?
ETECSA justifies this measure as necessary to "sustain and develop the telecommunications network" in Cuba. However, many citizens criticize this decision, viewing it as an excuse to further dollarize mobile services, which excludes those without access to foreign currency. This change has generated widespread outrage, as it severely limits access to the Internet in the national currency.
What are the new mobile data plans that ETECSA offers in dollars?
The new mobile data plans from ETECSA in dollars are: 4 GB for 10 USD, 8 GB + 75 minutes + 80 SMS for 20 USD, and 16 GB for 35 USD. These packages are available through international cards and the MiTransfer Wallet. They include an additional 300 MB for national browsing, but are inaccessible to many Cubans who do not have access to foreign currency.
What impact does this measure from ETECSA have on the Cuban population?
The measure by ETECSA has been perceived as a form of mass exclusion, affecting millions of Cubans who do not have access to dollars. The prices of plans in Cuban pesos are exorbitant, far exceeding the minimum wage, making internet access a privilege for those who receive remittances. This situation deepens the social and economic divide in Cuba.
¿Cómo ha reaccionado la comunidad cubana ante estas nuevas medidas de ETECSA?
The reaction from the Cuban community has been one of indignation and widespread discontent. Many have described the measure as a "armed robbery" and a further step towards the total dollarization of essential services. Criticism has also spread even within official media, where the comments of rejection have been numerous and forceful, reflecting the discomfort of the population.
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