After the widespread backlash generated by the new rates imposed by ETECSA since May 30, the state telecommunications company is attempting to quell criticism, especially among university students, with new measures announced on the official program Mesa Redonda.
The president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, announced that, as part of a strategy aimed at specific groups, university students will have the opportunity to purchase a second mobile data package of 6 GB, in addition to the one they can already buy with the 360 CUP allocated monthly for national top-ups. In total, this group will be able to access 12 GB per month at a cost of 720 CUP.
This benefit will be available to students who are properly identified in the ETECSA database, resulting from a consumption study conducted on a sample of over 60,000 university students, as explained by the official.
Velázquez Rodríguez also announced that more than 40 educational sites are now free of charge and that they are working with national organizations to continue expanding this list. The goal, according to the company, is to allow students to interact on academic platforms without using their mobile data.
In parallel, spaces are being allocated in the company's data centers to host scientific journals, while also strengthening the virtual educational environments of universities by relocating servers to infrastructures with energy backup, a recurring issue in many institutions.
However, the new offer does not reverse the existing limitation of 360 CUP per month on top-ups in national currency, which leaves the tariff structure largely questioned. Furthermore, there are no indications from ETECSA or the Cuban government that there is any intention to modify or eliminate the imposed restrictions since last Friday.
Context: the rate hike that sparked outrage
On May 30th, ETECSA imposed new restrictions that caused national discontent. The company, the only one of its kind in the country, limited top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP per month, which is barely enough for a basic package of 6 GB. Broader and combined packages were only made available through payments in United States dollars (USD), using international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet.
The company justified the decision arguing the need to "maintain and develop the network", a point it repeated ad nauseam during the recent broadcast of the Mesa Redonda, yet the explanation still fails to convince a population that has been paying for expensive and deficient services for years.
Since then, thousands of users have denounced the measure as a form of digital exclusion that penalizes those without access to foreign currency. The discontent was strongly expressed on social media, where many labeled the measure as a "digital rate hike" that marginalizes even more the vulnerable sectors, including students.
What marked a symbolic turning point was the public statement by the Federación Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU) and the Instituto Superior de Relaciones Internacionales (ISRI), who denounced on social media that the measure constitutes a direct obstacle to the academic and professional development of young people.
“The rise in the cost of data top-ups beyond 6 GB poses an obstacle that hinders our ability to fulfill our educational and professional responsibilities”, stated the communiqué signed by students from the faculties of Communication, Philosophy and History, Mathematics and Computer Science, Chemistry, InSTEC, and ISRI itself.
The FEU's statement demanded an urgent review of the rate hike and advocated for universal access to the internet as a right, not a privilege. This act of dissent within the youth structures of the political establishment underscores the rift between the state narrative and the digital reality of a generation that needs the internet not only for studying but also for communicating, staying informed, and shaping their future.
This rejection was joined by the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), an official organization that brings together young artists and intellectuals in Cuba.
In an institutional statement, the AHS highlighted that, although they participated in a dialogue with ETECSA executives where they presented arguments regarding the reasons for the rate adjustment, concerns still persist.
“As artists, young Cubans, and members of the community, we have concerns,” acknowledged the national president of the AHS, Yasel Toledo Garnache, emphasizing that the increases particularly impact the promotion of art, the circulation of content, and the connectivity that young creators need for their professional work.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Rate Hike and its Impact in Cuba
What changes has ETECSA implemented in its mobile data rates?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP per month, which allows the purchase of only one 6 GB package. For larger data amounts, users will need to pay in US dollars (USD) or at higher prices in CUP. This change has been viewed as a digital exclusion for those who do not have access to foreign currency.
How does this rate hike affect Cuban students?
University students have been particularly critical of this rate hike, as it significantly limits their access to the internet, which is essential for their studies and professional development. Although ETECSA offers an additional package of 6 GB for 360 CUP for students, the total of 12 GB remains inadequate for many of their academic needs.
What are the data package options in dollars offered by ETECSA?
ETECSA offers data packages in dollars that include 4 GB for 10 USD, 8 GB + 75 MIN + 80 SMS for 20 USD, and 16 GB for 35 USD. These options are available only to those who have access to international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet, thus limiting their accessibility for the majority of the population that does not receive remittances.
What measures is the Cuban government taking in response to the discontent over the rate hike?
The government, through Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, has announced that adjustments will be made to mitigate the impact on specific sectors, especially in education. However, the exact measures and when they will be implemented have not been detailed. These statements come after significant public opposition and criticism, even from within the ruling party.
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