ETECSA reports on increased acts of vandalism against landline telephony in Havana.

The Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) admitted an alarming increase in acts of vandalism against the fixed telephony infrastructure, events that have resulted in prolonged interruptions of basic services and significant economic damage, as reported by the state entity.

A recent report from Cuban television highlighted that in the Wajay area, residents and institutions have been left without fixed telephone service due to five vandalism incidents.

In four of the incidents, more than 180 meters of cable were stolen in each case; while in the fifth one, the cable was cut, leaving it out of service.

The main reason for cable theft is the extraction of copper, which is sold at high prices on the black market.

They claim that a similar situation has been repeated in several areas of Havana.

Only in the last quarter of 2023, ETECSA authorities say that 24 acts of vandalism against the telecommunications networks in the capital were registered, while in the first quarter of 2024, 25 similar incidents have already been reported.

The interviewed ETECSA executives stated that these acts not only interrupt voice and internet services in homes, but also cause significant material and economic damage to the country, as the stolen cables, which are thick and expensive, are difficult to acquire due to the current economic situation of the company and the country.

These incidents have forced resources originally allocated for new developments and addressing other interruptions to be redirected to recover the affected areas.

The most affected municipalities are Arroyo Naranjo and Boyeros.

According to the state company, the consequences extend beyond the residential sector and also impact hospitals, polyclinics, and schools.

The official source indicated that some citizens have been detained and are under investigation, the recovery has been complicated, as the use of cables of a different gauge than the original has affected the quality of the service, leaving customers with an inferior connection.

Vandalistic acts generally occur at night or dawn, which hinders their prevention.

ETECSA requests the cooperation of the population to report these incidents through the number 118, dedicated to collecting complaints and coordinating quick solutions.