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The group La Leña del Humor, known for its sharp satire on Cuban reality, has once again brought smiles (and reflections) with a supposed promotion of their “new show”: “Downloading with ETECSA,” a direct mockery of the current connectivity prices and the technological limitations faced by Cubans.
The post was shared this Saturday on their official profile on Facebook, where they sarcastically announced the "premiere" of the work and detailed the options for accessing the content, mocking the cost of data plans, the slowness of downloads, and the power outages that affect theaters and homes in Cuba.
"It's a very funny show that, with subtle humor, we criticize and roast all the telecommunications companies in the world, except for ETECSA," they wrote, parodying the institutional speech with a crooked smile.
In a tone of false promotion, they explain that the first way to watch the show is by downloading it from YouTube, although they warn that the file is 15 GB and recommend purchasing an Extra Data Plan for 11,760 CUP, praying that the connection doesn’t fail and that the download doesn’t take more than two days.
If it fails, the user would have to pay again, they pointed out in a jab directed squarely at the new prices imposed by the regime's monopoly.
The second option, no less absurd, is to attend a live performance “when the UNE turns on the power in the theaters,” with tickets that would cost “a transfer with more than 360 pesos of balance,” noted the group, which has previously made ironic remarks about the current energy crisis in the country.
"As you will notice, there are many ways to watch our Show... LEÑA, just like ETECSA, is always thinking of you," they conclude, in a clear critique of the deterioration of service and the disproportionate cost of connectivity in the country.
The Minister of Telecommunications of the Cuban regime, Mayra Arevich Marín, justified the recent imposition of the ETECSA rate hike and stated that the opinions against it are being considered.
“The new commercial measures implemented by ETECSA are essential for the sustainability of the telecommunications infrastructure, to continue supporting the country's development, ensuring cybersecurity, and maintaining the quality of services for the public,” she wrote in a thread on X.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ETECSA Parody and the Internet Situation in Cuba
What does the parody of La Leña del Humor criticize about ETECSA?
The parody of La Leña del Humor criticizes the high prices and limitations of internet access in Cuba. They use humor to highlight the frustration of Cubans with the new costs of ETECSA's data plans and the technological difficulties, such as slow downloads and frequent power outages.
How do ETECSA's new prices affect Cubans?
The new prices set by ETECSA make internet access unaffordable for many Cubans. A 15 GB plan costs 11,760 CUP, which is multiple times the average monthly salary in Cuba. This forces many to rely on remittances or seek alternatives in the informal market to stay connected.
What reactions has the dollarization of mobile services in Cuba generated?
The dollarization of mobile services has sparked outrage and widespread criticism in Cuba. Social media users and public figures have denounced the measure as an act of economic exclusion that increases social inequality, restricting internet access for those who do not have access to foreign currency.
What is the social impact of the new ETECSA policies in Cuba?
The new ETECSA policies deepen social inequality and limit connectivity for the majority of Cubans. By restricting top-ups in national currency and promoting packages in dollars, the measure excludes those who do not have access to foreign currency, negatively impacting their right to information and communication.
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