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The Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) has dealt another blow to the citizens' wallets by announcing on May 30 a series of measures that severely limit access to the Internet in national currency and deepen the dollarization of mobile services on the Island.
From now on, Cubans will only be able to recharge up to 360 Cuban pesos (CUP) within a 30-day period, which represents a drastic and unprecedented limit.
This amount barely allows for the purchase of a 6 GB package in a country where salaries are not enough to cover basic needs.
Those who need more information will have to pay for it in US dollars (USD) or through digital platforms that operate under the principles of the parallel market, where the real value of each dollar is nearly the same as on the street.
From public service to privilege for those receiving remittances
What ETECSA refers to as a "commercial adjustment" is nothing more than a massive exclusion disguised as an offer, leaving out millions of Cubans who do not have access to foreign currency.
The available plans in CUP—such as 15 GB for 11,760 pesos—are completely inaccessible for the vast majority of the population, whose average monthly income is around 3,000 CUP. In other words, accessing mobile internet at basic levels requires up to four times the minimum monthly wage.
Meanwhile, the plans in dollars, promoted as "extra," are sold through the MiTransfer Wallet or international cards:
4 GB for 10 USD
8 GB + 75 minutes + 80 SMS for 20 USD
16 GB for 35 USD
A Cuban family without help from abroad, without remittances or access to foreign currency, is relegated to the bare minimum of connectivity, or completely excluded from the system.
An unpopular measure that further erodes the bond with the citizenry
ETECSA's justification for these new restrictions is the need to "maintain and develop the network," an excuse that many consider cynical, given the years of service deficiencies, data blackouts, and exorbitant prices that do not align with the quality provided.
Citizens have reacted with outrage on social media.
Some comments express frustration with bitter sarcasm: "ETECSA is finished, because I believe few people will be able to access communications. We're going back to sending letters by mail, to telegrams, to smoke signals; now Hatuey truly rises again," said an internet user.
Many do not hesitate to call these "offers" a robbery at gunpoint by the sole authorized provider of this service, a state monopoly without competition, effective regulation, or transparency.
"Since we don't have another telecommunications company, otherwise, they will be left without customers," said a user.
One step further in the dollarization of the country
Although the government insists it provides services in CUP for prioritized sectors and free access to educational platforms, the trend is clear: essential services are being pushed into the dollarized realm, available only to those who receive remittances or have relatives abroad.
The measure deepens the social and economic divide that runs through Cuba. The supposed equity of the socialist system is contradicted by a two-speed digitalization: one for those who have access to strong currency, and another for those who only have the devalued Cuban peso.
ETECSA not only restricts access to the Internet but also impedes the right to information, digital work, education, and connection with the outside world, in a country where more and more people rely on the Internet to survive, study, work independently, or simply stay connected.
Instead of democratizing access to connectivity, ETECSA - with the support of the government - has turned the network into a luxury product in this digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Internet Restrictions in Cuba
What changes has ETECSA implemented regarding internet access in Cuba?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP every 30 days, and has introduced new data plans that must be purchased in US dollars (USD). This means that access to the internet has become more expensive and dollarized, leaving many Cubans unable to connect due to the lack of access to foreign currency.
How does the dollarization of ETECSA's services affect Cubans?
The dollarization of ETECSA's services increases the economic and social gap as only those who receive remittances or have access to foreign currency can afford the data plans in dollars. This excludes the majority of Cubans who have to survive on salaries in Cuban pesos, limiting their access to an essential service such as the internet.
What has been the reaction of the Cuban population to the new measures from ETECSA?
The Cuban population has reacted with strong disapproval to the new measures from ETECSA, expressing outrage on social media and labeling the restrictions as "armed robbery." Many criticize that the measures imposed by ETECSA exacerbate the already difficult economic situation by turning internet access into a luxury that is unattainable for the majority of citizens.
What justifications has ETECSA provided for the restrictions and dollarization of its services?
ETECSA justifies the restrictions and dollarization of its services by claiming they are necessary to "sustain and develop the network." However, many criticize this justification, considering the service deficiencies and high prices that do not correspond to the quality offered, as well as pointing out that these measures deepen social inequality in Cuba.
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