The Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), an official organization that brings together young artists and intellectuals in Cuba, publicly expressed their concerns about the recent measures imposed by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), which limit recharges in Cuban pesos (CUP) and increase the cost of mobile data access, warning that these measures negatively affect creative processes and the daily lives of citizens.
The subtle statement, signed by the national president of the organization Yasel Toledo Garnache, was embraced by the AHS as an institutional declaration, reflecting the collective sentiment of its members across the country.
“We have communicated with members of the organization from various provinces, and we spoke with members of the National Council and the National Directorate about the negative effects of these measures,” Toledo stated in a message disseminated through the entity's official channels.
The statement indicates that, despite the AHS recently participating in an exchange with ETECSA executives where arguments regarding the reasons for the rate adjustment were presented, concerns remain.
“As artists, young Cubans and members of the community, we have concerns”, acknowledged Toledo Garnache, emphasizing that the increases particularly affect the promotion of art, the circulation of content, and the connectivity required by young creators for their professional work.
In a measured tone, the statement also contextualizes the discontent amid a “reality affected by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and other situations that make daily life more difficult”, which exacerbates the impact of the new rates for access to the internet and mobile services.
The AHS, which brings together writers, journalists, actors, filmmakers, critics, and researchers, urged the need to "walk more quickly towards solutions, always maintaining the necessary balance in everything we do."
The text emphasizes that the organization holds frequent meetings with its members in various provinces and reiterated its "deep commitment to creative youth and society in general."
The statement from AHS adds to the growing criticism that has emerged on social media and from various social sectors regarding the changes implemented by ETECSA. Although using language aligned with the official discourse, this gesture reveals an unusual sign of dissent within an organization that is subordinate to the Ministry of Culture.
Since Friday, May 30th, ETECSA implemented a new commercial scheme, which limits monthly top-ups in national currency to 360 CUP and shifts the main data packages to U.S. dollars (USD), through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet. This has been interpreted as a further step towards the dollarization of mobile telephony on the island, generating a strong wave of citizen rejection.
The discomfort, which began on social media, was amplified by an unprecedented statement from the University Student Federation (FEU) from several faculties of the University of Havana and the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI), which denounced the price hike as a measure that restricts fundamental rights such as access to education, information, and communication.
These statements thus contribute to a wave of criticism from within the official framework itself, reflecting a widespread climate of discontent among
Frequently Asked Questions About the ETECSA Rate Hike in Cuba
What is the ETECSA tariff increase and why has it caused so much discontent?
The ETECSA rate hike is a new commercial scheme that limits top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to 360 CUP per month and shifts the main data packages to United States dollars (USD). This has generated strong opposition because it complicates access to the internet and perpetuates inequality by only benefiting those who have access to foreign currency.
What impact does ETECSA's price hike have on Cuban students?
The ETECSA price hike negatively impacts Cuban students by restricting their access to the internet, which is essential for their education, research, and communication. With a limit of 6GB for 360 CUP per month, they are unable to meet their academic needs, which deteriorates their academic performance and access to up-to-date information.
What has been the response of the official organizations to the ETECSA rate hike?
Even official organizations like the Asociación Hermanos Saíz (AHS) and the Federación Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU) have criticized the rate hike, pointing out that it affects creativity and access to fundamental rights such as education and communication. This reflects an unusual dissent within sectors traditionally aligned with the regime.
What justifications has ETECSA provided for the rate increase?
ETECSA has justified the rate hike by arguing that it is necessary for the sustainability of its infrastructure and to inject foreign currency into the company. However, the measure has been perceived as an attempt to dollarize services and has been widely criticized for limiting internet access and increasing inequality.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the price hike?
The Cuban population has responded with a wave of criticism and discontent, expressing their dissatisfaction both on social media and in statements from various organizations. The price hike is seen as an elitist measure that benefits those with access to dollars and marginalizes the majority living on Cuban pesos.
Filed under: