The implementation of the new commercial measures by the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) has sparked a wave of criticism, questioning, and outrage among Cubans. The public accuses the state-owned company of restricting access to mobile services in Cuban pesos (CUP), while the company claims that it only limits "national top-ups."
In statements made to the news program Revista Buenos Días, the commercial vice president of ETECSA, Lidia Esther Hidalgo Rodríguez, stated: "What we are limiting is the domestic recharge, but international recharges remain. Balance transfers will continue, so there are ways to maintain balance once the limit of 360 CUP for recharges is exceeded."
He insisted that the call and message (SMS) minute packages are not affected by these restrictions and that “they can be purchased through the Transfermóvil app in the ‘purchase of plans and packages’ option. These plans are unlimited and maintain the same prices they had before so that the public can communicate,” he said.
According to the official, up to three daily balance transfers without a limit on the amount are still allowed, in addition to international top-ups, which "are not limited and can be received multiple times throughout the day." In Hidalgo Rodríguez's view, this last modality "is a usual behavior among the Cuban population."
ETECSA separates the national balance from that which originates from international top-ups, prioritizing access to Internet browsing services in dollars. The official insists that: "International top-ups are not limited and multiple ones can be received throughout the day."
The regime's goal is to receive dollars directly into ETECSA's accounts, and the company assures that it will make it easier for those remittances from abroad to be transferred without limits among family and friends. "That is a common behavior among our population," said the vice president.
The institutional response is far from calming the spirits of millions of Cubans. On social media, comments are growing that label the new measures as "abusive." Users are denouncing that the State favors the black market and prevents internet users from using their salaries in CUP to purchase basic communication services.
"Regardless of how much they want to sweeten the measure, it is something abusive," commented one person. Another pointed out: "If you limit the national recharge to 360 pesos, then how am I supposed to buy more packages? If I can't add balance to my phone, then they are limiting the service."
A third user summarized it this way: “I have other ways to obtain balance, yes, but at exorbitant prices, from people who receive top-ups from abroad.”
This weekend, Cuban lawyer Manuel Viera reported that the sale of mobile credit is already circulating on social media as if it were just another commodity.
“The international balance is already being sold on social networks. The 360 pesos of balance for a modest 1,000 CUP. And they still try to explain this to the people (...) To exercise your right to information and communication through a company that is supposedly for the people, we will have to admit that they extort us, that they rob us once again,” he added.
The vice president of ETECSA confirmed on Friday during the Mesa Redonda that half of the users will be affected by the new package of measures, but she insisted that the decision to implement these changes was based on a "study" of the consumption patterns of Cubans.
"More than 50% of our population consumes approximately that value, which is related to the offers we are making available and that continue to have increasingly affordable prices and more data in the offers we are providing," he said, referring to the alleged benefits of the measure.
The dollarization of ETECSA's services impacts Cubans who do not have access to foreign currency. The new data plans in dollars turn internet access into a privilege for those who receive remittances from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's New Measures in Cuba
What are the new measures from ETECSA regarding top-ups in Cuban pesos?
The new measures from ETECSA limit the top-up amounts in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP over a period of 30 days. This marks a significant change as there was previously no such restriction. Furthermore, while domestic top-ups are constrained, data plans in U.S. dollars are being promoted, which has led to widespread discontent among Cubans who do not have access to foreign currency.
How does the dollarization of ETECSA services affect Cubans?
The dollarization of ETECSA services mainly affects Cubans who do not have access to foreign currency. The new data plans in dollars turn internet access into a privilege for those who receive remittances from abroad. This measure deepens economic inequality, consolidating a monetary duality in an essential service and limiting connectivity for a large part of the population.
What alternatives do Cubans without access to foreign currency have to stay connected?
Cubans without access to foreign currency must turn to the informal market to acquire credit. Due to ETECSA's restrictions, many users rely on international top-ups or indirectly purchase credit in the informal market. This results in high prices, which not only limits internet access but also creates an unequal structure for connectivity.
What has been the reaction of Cubans to these measures by ETECSA?
The reaction of the Cubans has been one of outrage and rejection. Many people consider the measures as a "hold-up" and an expression of the inequality experienced on the island. Criticism has come from both ordinary citizens and public figures, as well as student organizations, who have denounced the economic exclusion and the lack of equitable access to connectivity.
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