Cuban telecommunications authorities have held individuals using illegal equipment, as well as social indiscipline and vandalism, responsible for the decline in the quality of telephone and mobile network services, amidst a backdrop of significant economic and financial tensions.
According to their explanation, the use of non-approved antennas and repeaters interferes with the signal from the radio bases, which directly affects the functioning of the network in specific areas of the country.
The statements were made during a press conference by Kevin Castro Rodríguez, deputy director of the Operations Vice Presidency of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba S.A. (Etecsa), and reported by the Cuban News Agency (ACN), cited by the official portal CubaSí.
According to the executive, one of the main factors degrading the quality of service is the use of communication devices prohibited by “unaware or unscrupulous” individuals, which cause signal interference.
Castro Rodríguez explained that these issues stem from the illegal importation and sale of antennas and signal repeaters, devices used to enhance connectivity in restricted areas, but which interfere with the existing infrastructure and prevent the normal operation of the network.
In the case of Havana, it was noted that there are areas particularly affected by these interferences, such as Santa Fe and Buena Vista in the Playa municipality; the area of Vedado near 1st and 12th in Plaza de la Revolución; the vicinity of the Masonic Building and Zanja Street in Centro Habana; as well as in Lawton and Loma de Chaple in Diez de Octubre.
Nationwide, approximately six percent of the cells are critically affected by interference, with the capital being the most impacted province, facing 12% of external interferences, it was specified.
The official also referred to events related to social indiscipline and acts of vandalism, which have impacted the population due to the company's limited financial capacity to quickly repair the damages caused.
He emphasized that many of the destroyed or stolen equipment are high-cost imported items, the replacement of which requires redirecting resources intended for other development priorities.
Given the inability to constantly supervise the infrastructure, he urged the citizens to remain vigilant and report any damage or vandalism to the number 118.
In cases where those responsible or instigators of these events have been apprehended—who at times, as he stated, seek to undermine order and internal security—they have been handed over to the appropriate authorities.
On their part, representatives of the National Center for Radioelectric Spectrum Control warned about the improper use of equipment and illegal satellite connections, the dangers of which increase when these services are extended or sold to third parties.
The authorities reminded that these violations not only impact the quality of service and the sovereignty of the radio spectrum, but also constitute offenses outlined in the Cuban Penal Code, with penalties ranging from fines and confiscations to imprisonment.
Regarding the entry of these devices into the country—freely marketed in other countries under regulations that do not apply to the Cuban context—they emphasized the difficulty in detecting them and the ease with which their components can be concealed in luggage, which necessitates greater training and rigor for border personnel.
They also emphasized the need to better inform the population about the legal and technical repercussions of these practices, as in many cases they are carried out out of simple ignorance.
For years, many Cubans have turned to homemade and creative solutions to improve their access to the internet and mobile coverage, in response to the structural shortcomings of telecommunications services on the island.
Already in 2018, the use of deodorant tubes and fan casings was being reported as makeshift antennas to enhance signal coverage, highlighting the urgency with which many individuals were confronting technological limitations.
At the end of 2023, other improvised devices were also reported, such as metal rods combined with plastic boxes, designed to access the internet from areas with poor coverage.
More recently, in July 2024, a case emerged involving Cubans who managed to improve the quality of their internet signal using a pressure cooker lid as a reflector, demonstrating that popular ingenuity continues to adapt to new challenges. This solution, while rudimentary, showed that the need for connectivity drives the population to experiment even with kitchen utensils.
In October of the same year, a new trend emerged among internet users: the production of homemade antennas using recyclable materials to capture ETECSA's signal, which once again reflected the extent of the phenomenon. These devices, created in the absence of affordable official alternatives, aimed to optimize data reception in areas where the service was weak or unstable.
These solutions, while showcasing the ingenuity of the everyday Cuban, also form part of a pattern that the authorities have begun to identify as a direct cause of the interference in the national network, especially in densely populated areas like Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile Service Deterioration in Cuba
Why does ETECSA blame illegal antennas and vandalism for the poor service in Cuba?
ETECSA blames illegal antennas and vandalism for interfering with the signal of the radio bases, which degrades the quality of mobile service. The importation and use of unapproved devices, along with acts of vandalism, impact the telecommunications infrastructure, according to Cuban authorities.
Which areas of Cuba are most affected by interference with the mobile signal?
Havana is the most affected province with 12% of external interferences. Specific areas such as Santa Fe, Buena Vista, Vedado, and Centro Habana are experiencing critical problems due to the use of illegal antennas and vandalism.
What are the legal consequences of using illegal communication equipment in Cuba?
The use of illegal communication equipment in Cuba constitutes a crime that can result in fines, confiscation, and even imprisonment. Authorities have warned about the importance of respecting legality in order to maintain service quality and the sovereignty of the radio spectrum.
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