The management of Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero inaugurated a free navigation room for its employees on Monday, in response to the unpopular increase in rates announced by the state-owned and sole telecommunications company in Cuba (ETECSA), which further raises the cost of internet access in the country.
The venue will allow users to “download information of interest,” as well as “consult documents, tutorials, along with all the information possibilities that the internet offers,” emphasized the official newspaper Girón.
Faithful to the official paraphernalia, the inauguration took place “in a simple act,” with the presence of the singer-songwriter Israel Rojas, leader of the group Buena Fe. Interestingly, Rojas was one of the many civic voices that criticized what he considers “vices” in communication regarding the recent announcement by the telecommunications monopoly to dollarize its main mobile internet services.
Defender of the regime, the musician took care to avoid directly criticizing the measure, although he expressed his opinion in a comment on social media that “the technical and objective reasons” behind the rate hike “even if undeniable, seem uncertain, unfair, and erratic.”
The internet room will also benefit, upon prior coordination, the residents of the Carbonera community, an area supported by the airport terminal. In that locality, according to the report from Girón, "countless constructive actions have been taken for social entities" and "targeted support has been provided to vulnerable children and families," including projects such as the Colorful Little Airplane Children's House, highlighted as an example of social impact.
During the event, workers expressed their gratitude for the launch of the service, highlighting its usefulness for "the training of young people who are still pursuing their studies and veterans eager to further their education."
But the underlying question remains: how many more centers will be able to do the same in a country where access to the Internet, rather than expanding, is increasingly confined behind walls of prices, restrictions, and control?
The navigation room in the airport facility, seemingly commendable, highlights a broader reality: with official rates beyond the reach of many, the only option to access information and training in workplaces comes through local and exceptional initiatives like this one.
The neoliberal package from ETECSA restricts access to the internet for the majority of Cubans, forcing them to rely on expensive top-ups for plans in CUP and dollars, which are well beyond the means of most citizens earning their salaries in a highly devalued Cuban peso, amidst rampant inflation, once the meager monthly allowance for internet access (a mere 6 GB) runs out.
The new tariff scheme of ETECSA has been deemed abusive and discriminatory by the vast majority of the Cuban population and described as “a robbery at gunpoint.”
In the face of a measure viewed as a social exclusion act and a form of economic blackmail, many dignified Cubans have decided to reject any remittances from abroad.
After widespread public rejection, ETECSA attempted to quell the criticisms with new measures announced on the government program Mesa Redonda on the evening of June 2, offering 12 GB for 720 CUP and free access to educational sites for university students.
However, this Tuesday, in an official statement, the FEU and the UJC of the "José Antonio Echeverría" Technological University of Havana (formerly CUJAE) not only requested alternatives to those offered, but also demanded that ETECSA show more respect towards the people.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ETECSA Rate Increase and Connectivity in Cuba
Why has ETECSA increased internet rates in Cuba?
ETECSA has justified the increase in tariffs by stating the need to obtain foreign currency to sustain and develop the country's technological infrastructure. However, these measures have been perceived as an attempt to dollarize mobile services, limiting access for those who can only pay in Cuban pesos.
What impact does ETECSA's new tariff scheme have on the Cuban population?
The new pricing scheme from ETECSA severely limits internet access for the majority of Cubans, who must pay in dollars or face restrictions on a monthly limit of top-ups in Cuban pesos. This has generated widespread backlash, as many consider the rates to be abusive and exclusionary.
How has the population and the official media reacted to ETECSA's rate hike?
The reaction has been one of widespread indignation, both among the population and in some official media. Cubans have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media and on official platforms like Cubadebate, while newspapers such as Girón have called for greater transparency and sensitivity from ETECSA.
What measures has ETECSA taken to address discontent over the rate increase?
Following widespread rejection, ETECSA has announced measures such as increasing data allowances for some packages and granting free access to educational sites for students. However, these actions have been perceived as insufficient, as the main issue lies in the high costs and the exclusion caused by the new rates.
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