The authorities of the Cuban regime issued a new warning against the use of Starlink satellite internet antennas, following the confiscation of around twenty of these devices at the Customs of José Martí International Airport in Havana.
The devices, coming from the United States and sold on the Revolico platform for up to 2000 dollars, were classified as a threat to the sovereignty of the radio spectrum and a violation of current national legislation.
According to Wiliam Pérez González, the first deputy chief of the General Customs of the Republic, on his official account on the social network X, the shipment of devices was intended to be illegally brought into the country, in violation of the regulations of the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM).
“Aduana de Cuba obstructs the illegal entry of 20 Starlink satellite devices on a flight from the U.S. through Havana airport, violating existing regulations and norms in the country. Measures of rigor have been applied,” wrote the official, as cited by the government newspaper Granma.
Starlink is a high-speed satellite internet service developed by the American company SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.
Its low orbit infrastructure allows for connectivity in remote areas without relying on terrestrial networks, providing a direct alternative to the Telecommunications Company of Cuba S.A. (ETECSA), the state monopoly on telecommunications on the island.
In this context, the Cuban regime has intensified its rhetoric against the importation and use of these devices, labeling them as illegal and “dangerous” for the control of the radio spectrum.
Carlos Prieto de la Lastra, General Director of the Budgeted Technical Unit for Radio Spectrum Control, declared to the state media that "no individual or entity can install a transmission station without the corresponding license issued by the government of the country to which the station belongs."
It was also clarified that the Starlink terminals, while providing low-cost connectivity in hard-to-reach areas, are not authorized to operate in Cuba due to the lack of international agreements with the company SpaceX and the absence of licenses issued by MINCOM.
From the government it is insisted that the entry into the country of devices such as Starlink, antennas, and signal repeaters – some sold on platforms like Revolico – constitutes a violation of telecommunications regulations and the Cuban Penal Code.
For many, the regime simply does not want Cubans to access an internet service that they cannot control.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of Starlink in Cuba
Why does the Cuban regime consider the use of Starlink illegal?
The Cuban regime considers the use of Starlink illegal because these devices are not authorized by the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM) and there are no international agreements with SpaceX. Additionally, it is argued that the operation of Starlink without the proper license and spectral coordination infringes upon the sovereignty of the country's radio spectrum.
What measures has the Cuban government taken against the importation of Starlink equipment?
The Cuban government has intensified customs controls to intercept the entry of Starlink equipment into the country. In recent operations, the General Customs of the Republic has seized devices that were being illegally introduced, applying the penalties established for violating national regulations. These measures aim to maintain ETECSA's monopoly over telecommunications on the island.
How does the use of Starlink affect ETECSA's monopoly?
The use of Starlink represents a direct threat to ETECSA's monopoly, as it provides an alternative internet connection that bypasses state control. This concerns the regime, which fears losing its ability to control access to information and the revenue associated with state telecommunications services.
What does the Cuban government argue regarding Starlink's interference with the national network?
The Cuban government argues that the use of Starlink and other unapproved devices causes interference with the radio bases, which impacts the quality of telephone service and mobile networks. These devices are blamed for interfering with the radio spectrum and degrading the network's performance, although this stance also reflects interests in political and economic control.
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