The executive president of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), Tania Velázquez, denied that the new measures that restrict access to the Internet in national currency were part of a process of dollarization.
In the official space of the Mesa Redonda, where ETECSA officials intervened to explain the so-called "tariff increase", Velázquez stated this Friday: "There is no dollarization of services".
In a conversation with spokesperson Randy Alonso Falcón, the management clarified that the rates remain in CUP and justified that "they are regulated by official resolutions."
Without mentioning the new recharge amounts for extra data plans that need to be purchased when the 360 CUP rate runs out, Velázquez emphasized that the international recharge has existed for 15 years "for Cubans abroad who wish to support their families."
However, he acknowledged that they need "the concept of dollarization" in some sectors.
"We also take advantage of the opportunities that we can seize today. There is a market outside of Cuba that is also interested in keeping in touch with their family members, and we are clearly offering our services for that. However, the rates in CUP remain as they have been established so far," he commented.
The company has experienced a decline in foreign currency revenue. Therefore, the goal is to explore options to raise dollars.
"The traffic today is almost quadrupling. 75% of internet traffic in Cuba relies on mobile services. The consumption pattern has been shifting in recent years towards streaming platforms and gaming platforms; it is a normal behavior," he said.
Later, he admitted that they need foreign currency even though the payment currency within Cuba is CUP. "Foreign currency income has decreased that has supported the services. Since December, some measures have been announced to recover ETECSA's exports."
There is a constant need for foreign currency expenses to sustain services, he stated during the Round Table.
While the use of CUP is being restricted, ETECSA is promoting new Extra DATA Plans in U.S. dollars, which are now available through international cards and the MiTransfer Wallet.
These plans can be purchased at authorized commercial offices and offer 4 GB for 10 USD; 8 GB + 75 minutes + 80 SMS for 20 USD; and 16 GB for 35 USD.
In CUP, the Extra Data Plans exceed the basic and average salary of Cubans: for 3 GB, one must pay 3,360 CUP; for 7 GB, 6,720 CUP; and for 15 GB, 11,760 CUP.
Improvised?
Lidia Esther Hidalgo Rodríguez, Commercial Vice President of ETECSA, stated that the measures were taken based on a "thorough study" of the population's consumption patterns.
He also confirmed that more than 50% of the population uses approximately 6 GB, and the extra data plans are designed for those who exceed that average.
The officials from the communications monopoly praised that despite the 6G limit at 360 Cuban pesos for national top-ups, platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram allow for "an efficient use of data."
"With just 1 GB, it is possible to send up to a million text messages, thus maintaining active communication," without mentioning how much would be spent on video calls, one of the most commonly used methods by Cubans to communicate with their emigrated relatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's New Rates and the Dollarization of Services in Cuba
What changes has ETECSA implemented in its recharge rates?
ETECSA has limited the recharges in Cuban pesos (CUP) to 360 CUP every 30 days, while promoting the purchase of data plans in US dollars (USD) through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet. This has been seen as a step towards the dollarization of mobile service in Cuba, impacting those who do not have access to foreign currencies.
Why has ETECSA decided to promote data plans in dollars?
The president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez, has pointed out that the company needs to generate foreign currency to sustain and develop its services. The decrease in foreign currency income has led ETECSA to seek new revenue sources through the sale of data plans in dollars, aiming to maintain connectivity and pay its international debts.
How does ETECSA's new policy affect internet access in Cuba?
The measure by ETECSA severely restricts access to the Internet in national currency, limiting connectivity for those who do not have access to dollars or remittances from abroad. With plan prices in CUP exceeding the minimum wage, access to the Internet becomes a privilege, deepening the economic and digital divide in the country.
What are the reactions of Cubans to the new measures from ETECSA?
The new measures from ETECSA have been met with a wave of outrage and criticism from Cuban users. Many view these actions as mass exclusion and "armed robbery," as access to basic services becomes unaffordable for those without income in foreign currency, further entrenching economic inequality on the island.
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