The Cuban regime, in its crusade against independent internet access alternatives, warned that using the Starlink satellite service without state authorization is illegal and may be penalized on the island.
In a note published on Facebook by the Technical Unit for Radio Spectrum Control (UPTCERCuba), an entity under the Ministry of Communications, it is detailed that the unauthorized use of Starlink in Cuba violates several principles established by the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in addition to contradicting national legislation.
According to the publication, the ITU establishes that member states have exclusive sovereignty over their radio spectrum, as outlined in Article 1 of its regulations.
Starlink, by operating in frequency bands such as Ku and Ka without having coordinated its use with the Cuban government, violates this principle as there is no existing spectral coordination agreement.
It is also stated that all satellite services must have an operating license granted by the corresponding national authority—in this case, the Ministry of Communications—and must be notified to the ITU.
In the case of Cuba, Starlink has not completed these procedures, making it an illegal service under international law.
The UPTCERCuba publication reminds us that the ITU supports the right of countries to report unauthorized operations and demand their cessation.
As a precedent, it mentions the case of Iran in 2022, where the ITU ruled in favor of the Iranian government in a complaint filed against Starlink for similar reasons.
Internally, it is noted that Resolution 272/2015 of the Ministry of Communications prohibits the importation and use of telecommunications equipment without state permission.
This includes the Starlink terminals, which are considered "transmitting-receiving ground stations" and are subject to regulation and control.
The consequences for those who use this service on the island may include technical interference (frequency blockage by the Cuban government), confiscation of equipment, and the imposition of fines.
Although the UIT does not have coercive power, it could issue a symbolic resolution against SpaceX, which would impact its international reputation.
In summary, the Cuban regulatory authority claims that Starlink violates the ITU Radio Regulations by operating without spectral coordination or local authorization, infringing upon the country's sovereignty over its radio spectrum.
Although the official Starlink website lists Cuba as a territory without coverage, some residents on the island have managed to install and use this equipment for months.
Additionally, the import of satellite internet stations like Starlink is officially prohibited.
According to the Resolution 272/2015 of the Ministry of Communications, the entry into the country of “ground stations and satellite communication terminals, both transmitting and receiving” - including devices like Starlink - requires a special permit that, in most cases, is not granted.
However, a study 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.
In response to this "penetration," the Cuban regime has openly declared a war on this alternative way of connecting to the internet.
Recently, Cuban telecommunications authorities held individuals using illegal equipment responsible for the deterioration of phone and mobile network service quality, amidst severe economic and financial tensions.
According to their explanation, the use of non-certified antennas and repeaters interferes with the signals from radio bases, which directly impacts the network's functionality in specific areas of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of Starlink in Cuba
Why is the use of Starlink illegal in Cuba?
The use of Starlink in Cuba is illegal because it does not have the authorization from the Cuban government nor has it coordinated its spectral use with the country, which violates the ITU Radio Regulations and Cuban national legislation.
What are the possible penalties for using Starlink in Cuba without authorization?
The penalties for using Starlink without authorization in Cuba may include confiscation of equipment, fines, and frequency blocks imposed by the Cuban government, which could interfere with the service.
How are Cubans accessing Starlink despite the ban?
Despite the ban, some Cubans have accessed Starlink by purchasing equipment in the informal market and activating it from third countries. The service works if the devices are activated outside of Cuba, although this practice carries legal risks and high costs.
Why does the Cuban government oppose the use of Starlink?
The Cuban government opposes the use of Starlink because it represents an alternative to the state-owned ETECSA, which could weaken the state's control over telecommunications and internet access on the island, facilitating unrestricted access to information.
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