The Telecommunications Company of Cuba S.A (ETECSA) announced on May 30 a new set of measures that strengthen the dollarization of access to mobile services on the island.
The decision has immediately sparked widespread public backlash, with critics calling it unfair, exclusionary, and contrary to equitable access to connectivity in Cuba.
The official response: “Enhance new sources of income”
In response to the flood of comments on social media, ETECSA has directly addressed some users to explain the reasons behind the decision.
In response to the concern of an internet user who questioned the logic of limiting top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) while promoting more purchases, the state-owned company replied:
"We want to ensure a level of data consumption at affordable prices and promote new sources of income for usage exceeding this amount. For VOICE and SMS services, there are other options available to acquire them unlimitedly."
In response to another user who harshly criticized the poor quality of the service and urged investment in antennas powered by renewable energies, ETECSA's reply was:
"These measures are being implemented with the aim of boosting new sources of income that will enable ETECSA to sustain, develop, and grow the various telecommunications services in the country."
The promise to "enhance new sources of income" to improve the service has left many Cubans laughing, as they already know what ETECSA is really like.
An internet user summed it up humorously by stating:
"Suffer AT&T!
Suffer Vodafone!
ETECSA does not cry, ETECSA bills."
Reload limit in Cuban pesos: up to 360 CUP per month only
One of the central points of the announcement is the limit on top-ups in national currency: from now on, prepaid service customers will only be able to add up to 360 CUP to their main balance within a 30-day period.
The measure directly affects those who do not have access to US dollars or foreign currencies. In response to inquiries like that of user Adriana González, ETECSA confirmed: "The maximum allowed amount for national top-ups is 360 CUP in 30 days."
Although this balance can still be used for plans or transfers, the measure significantly reduces the operating margin for users who depend exclusively on the CUP.
Plans in dollars: The new normal
At the same time that it restricts the use of CUP, ETECSA launched new Extra Data Plans in USD, accessible only through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet.
The announced rates are: 4 GB for 10 USD; 8 GB + 75 MIN + 80 SMS for 20 USD; 16 GB for 35 USD.
These packages include an additional 300 MB for national browsing. Although they can be purchased at ETECSA commercial offices, access is restricted for thousands of Cubans without connections to the outside or without access to foreign currency.
What remains in CUP?: Unattainable plans for many
ETECSA also announced new data packages in CUP, but at what are considered exorbitant prices: 3 GB for 3,360 CUP; 7 GB for 6,720 CUP; 15 GB for 11,760 CUP.
All plans include 300 MB of national browsing and are valid for 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. However, the prices far exceed the minimum wage in the country, making them unaffordable for most Cubans.
A pesar de esto, la empresa mantiene en CUP los precios de la Bolsa de Mensajería toDus, los planes de voz y los SMS.
Reactions: "Armed robbery" and more inequality
ETECSA's responses did not convince the majority of internet users, who expressed their discontent harshly on social media. Cubans were outraged by what they see as a way to further highlight the inequality among Cubans.
Many expressed concern about access to remote study and work
"I am a web developer... I needed several top-ups per month. Now I can't work"; "This limits the learning of professionals and students. It's a terrible decision," "How are students supposed to download resources if there aren't even any physical books?" observed three commentators on that note.
"How far do you plan to tighten the noose?"; "They provide poor service and want to demand more... stop money laundering"; "A plan costing 3,360 CUP is more than the minimum wage. Who is this meant to benefit?", others commented.
"Now it's official: letters by mail, smoke signals, and Hatuey rises again. Cuba moves forward," concluded another user humorously.
Discontent has been particularly felt among those who do not receive remittances or have any access to the foreign exchange market, further consolidating the digital and economic divide within the island.
Although ETECSA reiterates its commitment to providing services in national currency and supporting vulnerable social sectors, the new regulations confirm a shift towards the partial dollarization of internet and mobile phone access in Cuba.
This process, in an increasingly complex economic context, represents an additional barrier for the most impoverished sectors of the population and consolidates an unequal access structure to what should be an essential public service.
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