The Vice President of Network Operations at ETECSA, Sybel Alonso Baldor, defended the state monopoly on telecommunications in Cuba and attempted to justify the high service prices imposed by the entity as part of the recent rate hike, which has been rejected by the vast majority of the population.
Through his profile on the social network X, Alonso claimed that the foreign currency income has allowed for the establishment of the current telecommunications network with two submarine cables, over 5,600 radio bases, and eight million mobile lines.
"We need to uphold all of this so that Cubans remain connected to the world," the official stated.
The argument follows a familiar formula: to highlight infrastructure without being accountable for its real impact on users' daily lives. While it is true that coverage has increased, it is also true that the connection is expensive, unstable, and exclusive.
The rates do not align with the average income of the population, and a good portion of users relies on top-ups sent from abroad to stay connected.
Claiming "eight million mobile phones" is not synonymous with full connectivity. Most people use data with restrictions, measuring every megabyte and avoiding video calls due to their high cost.
The simple act of browsing freely or using the internet as an everyday tool continues to be a luxury for many. Furthermore, the much-discussed “access to the world” is still under strict control of content, with blocked sites and censored services.
At the same time, ETECSA insists on discussing sustainability, but without transparency. There are no detailed public reports on how the millions in revenue are being invested, nor is there a clear plan that projects more equitable rates. Meanwhile, the triumphant rhetoric continues, as if the issue is one of perception rather than financial reality.
Connecting should not be an obstacle course or a privilege mediated by remittances. The real challenge is not holding cables, but ensuring that technology serves the majority, not just a minority that can afford it. Because discussing digital inclusion without affordability is simply propaganda.
The new pricing scheme from ETECSA, implemented at the end of May under a neoliberal logic that the Cuban regime itself has historically criticized, has been denounced as abusive and discriminatory by the majority of the population, with many users labeling it 'a daylight robbery.'
When the meager package allowed for browsing in a month (only 6 GB) runs out, the customer relies on recharges for plans priced very high in CUP and foreign currency, far beyond the reach of most citizens who earn their salaries in a highly devalued Cuban peso in a context of rampant inflation.
Amidst public discontent, ETECSA announced on June 19 two new commercial offers: a 2 GB data plan for 1,200 CUP for the general public and another for 6 GB for 360 CUP exclusive to university students.
To purchase the 6 GB plan for 360 CUP for students, one must be of legal age (18 years), be approved by the institution where they study, and be the holder of the mobile line, the entity specified.
According to executives from the state-owned company in a discussion with the press, the new proposals are the result of the criticisms—rather protests—received following the implementation of their previous commercial measures.
ETECSA defended its position by stating that it has made "the maximum possible effort" to provide a more affordable option within the current conditions of the country.
The president of ETECSA claimed days ago that in the last four years the entity lost 60% of its revenue due to fraud in international top-ups, one of the justifications put forward for the recent rate hike and the move towards dollarization of the service, when its potential customers are paid in Cuban pesos.
In the opinion of economist Pedro Monreal, this situation is, at the very least, “a case of monumental incompetence,” both on the part of the state-owned company and the Cuban government itself, by allowing the alleged fraud to operate for more than three years without taking effective measures to stop it.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Rate Increase
Why has ETECSA raised the rates for its services?
ETECSA justifies the increase in rates by the need to inject foreign currency into the company to maintain its operations and address high debt levels. The president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez, has stated that the increase is necessary to sustain current services due to difficulties in importing technology and essential supplies.
How does ETECSA's new rate hike affect the Cuban population?
The new billing scheme from ETECSA is considered abusive and discriminatory by the majority of the population, as the rates do not align with the average income of Cubans. This has led many to depend on top-ups sent from abroad to stay connected, exacerbating digital inequality and limiting internet access for those who do not have access to foreign currencies.
What infrastructure improvements has ETECSA made with the revenue obtained?
ETECSA has utilized foreign currency revenues to build the current telecommunications network, which includes two submarine cables, more than 5,600 radio bases, and eight million mobile lines. However, despite the improvements in infrastructure, the connection remains expensive, unstable, and exclusive for many Cubans.
Why is ETECSA considered to operate without transparency?
ETECSA does not provide public accountability nor presents detailed reports on its financial management, investments, or budget priorities. This lack of transparency fuels public distrust and allows for speculation regarding the fate of foreign currency revenues, especially given the deteriorating services and the unaffordable rates for the majority.
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