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The wave of student discontent regarding the new regulations from the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) continues to grow. On Tuesday, students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Havana (UH) called for an indefinite academic strike in protest against the recent measures imposed by the state company.
With this decision, they join the condemnation already expressed hours earlier by students from the José Antonio Echeverría Higher Polytechnic Institute (CUJAE).
The call for the strike was published on the official Telegram channel of the faculty, where university students reported the negative impact of ETECSA's regulations, such as the monthly limit on domestic recharges with mobile data, and demanded a change in the approach to managing internet access on the island.
As a form of protest, students called for a boycott of classes starting this Wednesday, June 4, until four fundamental demands are met:
- Revocation of the measures imposed on May 30, or at least their modification in favor of collective solutions.
- Holding a meeting between ETECSA representatives and the student community, with clarity and transparency regarding the context of decisions.
- Utilizing the technical knowledge of students to design viable and equitable solutions.
- Active participation of all affected social sectors in the construction of sustainable alternatives.
In the statement, the organizers call on the university administration to support the protest in its role of representing the student body, and urge the faculty to join the cause, in the name of unity and the common good.
A protest that is spreading
This new call for a strike at UH comes just hours after the official statement from the University Student Federation (FEU) and the Union of Young Communists (UJC) of CUJAE, who also strongly rejected ETECSA's measures, describing them as exclusionary, technically inconsistent, and contrary to the socialist ideal.
The text from CUJAE denounced the lack of transparency in the communication from the state-owned company, the absence of convincing public explanations, and the disproportionate impact of the new rates on vulnerable sectors.
Additionally, a package of viable proposals was presented, such as the implementation of nighttime bonuses, usage-based plans, and the extension of benefits to teachers and social workers.
Both statements agree on the need for respect from the management of ETECSA, a more empathetic stance, and authentic dialogue with the university community.
Institutional silence
So far, neither the authorities of the University of Havana nor representatives of ETECSA have issued public statements in response to these protests. Meanwhile, discontent in the classrooms is growing and threatens to spread to other faculties and universities across the country.
However, the Telegram channel of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science was deleted minutes after the post.
Frequently asked questions about the student protest and ETECSA's measures in Cuba
Why did the students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computing at UH call for a strike?
The students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Havana have called for an indefinite academic strike in protest against ETECSA's measures that limit national top-ups with mobile data. They demand the repeal of the imposed measures, a dialogue with ETECSA, and the inclusion of student proposals for viable solutions.
What are the main demands of the students in response to ETECSA's measures?
Students demand the revocation or modification of the measures imposed by ETECSA, a transparent meeting between representatives of ETECSA and the student community, the utilization of the technical knowledge of students to design solutions, and the active participation of all affected social sectors. These demands aim to improve internet access and ensure digital inclusion in Cuba.
How has ETECSA responded to the criticism regarding the new rates?
ETECSA has announced that university students will be able to purchase a second mobile data package, totaling 12 GB per month for 720 CUP. Additionally, they have opened access to over 40 educational sites. However, these measures do not change the limitation of top-ups in Cuban pesos to 360 CUP per month, which remains a point of criticism.
What impact do ETECSA's measures have on internet access in Cuba?
The measures taken by ETECSA have limited national top-ups to a maximum of 360 CUP per month, making it difficult for many students and professionals who rely on connectivity for their academic and work activities to access the internet. This restriction has been described as a price hike that marginalizes vulnerable sectors and limits universal access to the internet.
What position have student organizations taken regarding ETECSA's measures?
Several student organizations, such as the University Student Federation (FEU) and the Union of Communist Youth (UJC), have strongly rejected the measures taken by ETECSA. They have labeled the rates as exclusive and have demanded genuine dialogue with ETECSA to seek solutions that do not harm access to information and education.
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