Starlink makes its way into Cuba despite the ban: What is the price of connecting to the internet without ETECSA?

In Cuba, the importation of satellite Internet stations such as Starlink is officially prohibited.

According to the Resolution 272/2015 from the Ministry of Communications, the entry into the country of "ground stations and satellite communication terminals, both transmitter and receiver" - including devices such as Starlink - requires a special permit that, in most cases, is not granted.

However, the reality on the ground is very different: Some have access to this service that, in theory, should not be operating on the island.

Although on the website of Starlink, Cuba is listed as a territory without coverage - just like Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Belize - residents within the island have been able to install and use these devices for months.

A survey by elTOQUE found more than a dozen advertisements for the sale of Starlink equipment in Cuban Facebook groups, and over 60 similar offers on the sales platform Revolico.

The independent media managed to contact seven vendors, who claim that they have clients on the island and that the service works if the devices are activated from a third country.

The phone numbers of these merchants have area codes from the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, and Cuba itself.

The oldest identified advertisement dates back to September 2024, which confirms that this practice has been ongoing for at least six months.

A luxury that only a few can afford

The prices of equipment in the Cuban informal market range between 1,300 and 1,800 dollars, amounts that represent over 500,000 Cuban pesos (CUP) according to the current value of currencies in the informal market.

Outside of Cuba, prices are significantly lower. In Spain, for example, a Starlink mini costs around 279 euros, while a V3 can be found for about 340 euros. In the United States, depending on the model, prices range from 300 to 600 dollars.

In addition to the cost of the equipment, sellers add charges for installation, configuration, and transportation to the provinces.

Shipments are primarily concentrated in Havana, although they can reach other regions for additional fees ranging from 15 to 300 dollars, depending on the distance.

One of the interviewed merchants explained that part of the increase in costs is due to the risk of bringing equipment into the country without the necessary permits.

According to current regulations, it is essential to obtain authorization from the Ministry of Communications to import satellite dishes, satellite reception equipment, or satellite internet transmission terminals, something that very few manage to achieve.

Despite this, technology continues to enter through informal channels. It is unclear how they manage to bypass customs controls, but the networks of clandestine trade appear to be well organized.

How does Starlink work within the island?

Once the equipment arrives in Cuba and is installed without issues, it is necessary to activate the service with an international bank card.

Sellers recommend the itinerant plan from Starlink, which costs about $165 per month when contracted from the United States. If activated from other countries, such as Mexico or Paraguay, it can be cheaper, although some assert that the connectivity is more stable if the activation is maintained from the U.S.

Doug Madory, an Internet routing specialist and director of analysis at Kentik, confirmed to elTOQUE that it is technically feasible to use Starlink in Cuba if the activation is done outside the national territory.

For now, Starlink does not block connections from the island, although the company has warned that it could disable users in countries where the service is not authorized, something it has not yet done.

The alternative to ETECSA that worries the government

In addition to the cost and legal risks, those who install Starlink on the island face surveillance from the authorities.

According to elTOQUE, there are reports of police persecution in provinces like Cienfuegos, where certain users and technicians installing these devices have been targeted by State Security operations.

Despite this, the devices are primarily being used by private businesses and entrepreneurs who require faster and more stable connections than those offered by ETECSA.

Starlink offers speeds far superior to those of the state network. According to testimonies from sellers, the V4 mini version reaches between 100 and 300 Mbps, while the V3 ranges from 200 to 400 Mbps.

These figures contrast with the average 3 Mbps provided by ETECSA's fixed broadband, placing Cuba at the bottom of the world in terms of connection speed, according to the Ookla platform.

A service that could revolutionize Internet access in Cuba

Although for now the Starlink service installed on the island only provides fixed internet, the company plans to launch its Direct to Cell (DTC) technology in the United States in 2025, which will allow mobile phones to connect directly to Musk's satellites without the need for ground towers.

If realized, and as long as the entrepreneur allows it, this approach could be a revolutionary option for Cuba.

Interest in alternative technologies has grown alongside the political use of connectivity on the island. Since the protests in July 2021, the Cuban government has restricted internet access during occasional demonstrations against the government.

Starlink is a gateway to free internet in a country where censorship and slow connectivity continue to dominate. However, the high cost and the challenge of going against the prohibition of its use are factors that hinder its adoption.

Starlink: The largest satellite constellation in the world

Starlink defines itself as "the first and largest satellite constellation in the world."

Currently, Elon Musk's network consists of about 6,000 satellites orbiting in low Earth orbit, offering connection speeds ranging from 50 to 200 megabits per second (Mbps), well above the average in countries like Cuba.

SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, plans to double this figure in the coming months, which would make it the private company or space agency with the most operational objects in space.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of Starlink in Cuba