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The monopoly on communications in Cuba ETECSA reported that the Internet traffic in the country has increased significantly, especially through mobile phones, despite the quality issues in the connection that the company attributes to a lack of financial resources and investments.
Tania Velázquez, the executive president of the entity, revealed that consumption patterns have changed in recent years due to new players in the economy, and there is now an abundance of information and entertainment seeking.
Currently, there are eight million active mobile lines, of which 95% are enabled for Internet access.
76% of the terminals support 4G, and 90% of the devices are smart. However, problems persist when it comes to browsing, often related to the energy crisis with its prolonged blackouts and the frequent internet outages imposed by the government.
According to the directive, cited by Cubadebate, 80% of the capacity of the submarine cable is being used, but investments in the network have not kept pace with traffic growth.
Regarding the most used social networks, the favorites are Facebook and Instagram, although YouTube and WhatsApp also have high usage. Visits to gaming sites and online stores have increased.
These are the options available to Cubans, while connectivity remains limited by the censorship of the regime, which has blocked many independent media, applications, and platforms.
The president of ETECSA boasted that e-commerce has also grown, mentioning Transfermóvil, which has over five million users and experienced a 30% growth in 2024. She did not reference that this increase is largely due to the ongoing lack of cash in banks and ATMs.
Currently, the mobile wallet has over 600,000 users making payments and transfers, and according to Velázquez, more features will be added over time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet and Social Media Use in Cuba
What are the most popular social media platforms in Cuba according to ETECSA?
The most popular social media platforms in Cuba are Facebook and Instagram, closely followed by YouTube and WhatsApp. Despite restrictions and censorship, these platforms lead in usage among Cubans.
How has internet consumption in Cuba changed in recent years?
Internet usage in Cuba has significantly increased, primarily through mobile phones. Currently, 95% of mobile lines are enabled for internet access, with 76% of devices supporting 4G. However, the growth in traffic has not been accompanied by investments in infrastructure, which limits the quality of service.
What difficulties does connectivity face in Cuba?
Connectivity in Cuba faces quality issues due to a lack of investments and financial resources. Furthermore, the regime's censorship blocks independent media and platforms, and frequent blackouts and Internet outages exacerbate the situation. These factors make Internet access remain limited for many Cubans.
How has the regime's censorship impacted internet access in Cuba?
The censorship of the Cuban regime involves the blocking of independent media, applications, and platforms, thereby limiting access to diverse information. This censorship is part of a broader strategy for information control, where the government uses digital control to suppress dissent and manipulate the official narrative.
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