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The musician of the duo Buena Fe, Israel Rojas, criticized what he considers communication "vices" in the recent announcement by the state monopoly ETECSA about dollarizing its main mobile Internet services
"The 'rate hike' from ETECSA is filled with ALL the flaws of current Cuban political communication,"
The regime's defender, who was careful not to directly criticize the measure, believes that “the technical and objective reasons” behind the price hike “even if undeniable, end up seeming uncertain, unjust, and erratic.”
Rojas' post has been commented on by individuals close to the government, revealing discontent with the measure even among supporters of the regime.
"Not even CIA specialists in psychological manipulation would be able to achieve the state of mind that ETECSA accomplished in the way it communicated the news," commented journalist Fernando Ravsberg.
"It's outrageous, the telephone service contract clearly states that changes must be announced 30 days in advance, but ETECSA seems to care very little about that in every sense of the word. They only care about the dollars that come in from overseas recharges, and I don’t know where that money goes because every month thousands and thousands of USD come in for that concept," said user Nolan Fuentes.
For his part, the official photographer Iván Soca stated that "25 years ago, I wrote a letter to Fidel in which I said in writing that ETECSA was the enemy, that communications were the independence of a country; I imagine that if it was delivered to him and he read it, he would have thought I was a bit young and confused."
Rate hike and discontent within the government ranks
On Friday, ETECSA announced a new set of measures that severely restricts the use of the Cuban peso (CUP) for mobile top-ups and, instead, promotes data packages in U.S. dollars.
Beyond the immediate perplexity and outrage triggered by the announcement, the reaction that the new measures provoked in the Cuban digital ecosystem was surprising, especially on the regime's official portal Cubadebate, where the news sparked a wave of comments expressing outrage that exceeded the usual boundaries of criticism on the island.
The decision to limit top-ups in CUP to a maximum of 360 pesos per month and to offer data plans in foreign currencies was perceived by many as the formalization of the dollarization of mobile services in Cuba.
The announcement, which came with a technocratic language and promises of technical "improvements," was met with a popular reaction rarely seen in official voices or state media. Within hours, over 1,300 comments flooded the official page of Cubadebate. And this time, the tone was not one of resigned approval, but of unfiltered outrage.
A reader summarized it with bitter irony: "Let's be serious. This is not an offer; it's armed robbery. Another attack on those who already have very little."
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Rate Increase and Its Impact on Cuba
What changes has ETECSA announced regarding its recharge and mobile data services?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to 360 monthly and has launched new data plans in U.S. dollars (USD). This means that users can only recharge a limited amount in CUP, while additional data must be purchased in USD, which mainly affects those who do not have access to foreign currencies.
Why is ETECSA dollarizing its telecommunications services?
According to ETECSA, dollarization aims to "boost new sources of income" to sustain and develop the telecommunications services network in Cuba. However, many Cubans believe that this measure deepens inequality by turning internet access into a privilege for those with access to dollars.
What has been the reaction of the Cuban population to ETECSA's new measures?
The reaction has been one of indignation and widespread discontent, especially on platforms like Cubadebate, where users expressed their frustration and rejection of the measures. Many believe that ETECSA is excluding millions of Cubans who do not have access to foreign currency, thereby consolidating a digital and economic divide in the country.
How do these measures affect access to the Internet in Cuba?
The measures severely limit access to the Internet in national currency and promote the purchase of data in USD. This means that many Cubans who rely on CUP will face restricted access, impacting their ability to work, study, and stay connected, which is particularly problematic in a country where the Internet is an essential tool for many daily activities.
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