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The renowned Cuban actor Luis Alberto García raised his voice online to reject the recent measures by the state-owned company ETECSA and to demand equal rights for all Cubans, amid the growing national discontent over the so-called "digital rate hike."
Through a post on his Facebook account, García expressed his dissatisfaction with the partial solutions offered by ETECSA, which so far only benefit certain sectors, particularly university students.
"It's not about patches. It's not about dividing ourselves into silos. There are no more needy than others," the actor wrote.
"There is another sector, VITAL for the health of the Nation, JUST AS IMPORTANT as that of the students, which should also HAVE THE RIGHT to be included in the new measures announced last night. In fact, even improved: !!!THE PEOPLE OF CUBA!!!," he stated.
Critiques of a limited solution
The actor's words refer to the announcement made by ETECSA during the Mesa Redonda, where the company's president, Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, stated that university students will be able to access an additional package of 6 GB for 360 CUP, bringing the total to 12 GB per month for 720 CUP. Furthermore, free access to more than 40 educational sites has been enabled.
These measures, however, do not address the core of the problem: the restriction imposed since May 30, which limits national top-ups to a maximum of 360 CUP per month, leaving the larger data packages available only in U.S. dollars, through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet.
The "solution" has been widely criticized by the public, not only for its exclusionary nature but also for the evident bias toward a particular group, while the majority of the Cuban people continue to face a forced disconnection amid a deep economic crisis.
Students call for a strike, opposition is growing
Discontent continues to grow. Student groups have called for a national university strike starting this Wednesday, in protest of ETECSA's fees and demanding equal access to the internet as a fundamental right.
Organizations such as the University Student Federation (FEU) and the Higher Institute of International Relations (ISRI) have publicly expressed their disagreement, stating that the new fees are a direct obstacle to the academic and professional development of young people.
Even official sectors, such as the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS), have joined in the criticism, acknowledging that the rising cost of connectivity impacts the promotion of art, the circulation of ideas, and the creativity of young creators.
"There are no more needy than others."
Luis Alberto García, known for his extensive career and critical stance towards the government, thus joins a growing list of public figures and institutions advocating for equal access, social justice, and digital rights for all Cubans, without exclusions or favoritism.
His call not only aims at a review of tariff policies but also at a broader vision of access to connectivity as part of citizen well-being.
In a country where the Internet is a limited and expensive resource, the call for digital equity has become a widespread demand that unites students, artists, professionals, and ordinary citizens.
The rate hike by ETECSA, rather than being resolved with specific measures, has sparked a profound debate about who has the right to connect and who is excluded in present-day Cuba.
Voices like that of Luis Alberto García reflect that the issue goes far beyond gigabytes: it is a matter of dignity, access, and justice for all.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Price Hike in Cuba
Why does Luis Alberto García criticize the new ETECSA rates?
Luis Alberto García criticizes ETECSA's rates because he believes the measures are exclusive and partial, benefiting only certain sectors such as university students. The actor argues that the entire Cuban population should have the same access to connectivity, and that this restriction imposed by ETECSA seriously affects the people as a whole, in the context of an economic crisis in Cuba.
What measures has ETECSA taken that are causing discontent in Cuba?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP per month, forcing users to purchase larger data packages in US dollars (USD). This measure has been widely criticized for excluding those without access to foreign currency, deepening inequality and restricting connectivity for a large segment of the Cuban population.
What reactions have the ETECSA rates generated among Cuban students?
Cuban students have expressed strong opposition to ETECSA's rates, even calling for a university strike demanding equal access to the internet. Organizations like the University Student Federation (FEU) have reported that the new rates hinder the academic and professional development of young people, viewing them as a direct obstacle to their education and communication.
What arguments has ETECSA provided to justify the rate hike?
ETECSA justifies the rate hike by claiming the need to maintain and develop telecommunications infrastructure. The company states that the changes are necessary to ensure cybersecurity and improve service quality, although many Cubans view these explanations as mockery, given the ongoing deterioration of services and the imposed restrictions.
How have the Cuban authorities responded to the criticism regarding ETECSA's price hike?
The Cuban authorities have announced adjustments to mitigate the impact of the rate hike, especially in the student sector. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that alternatives are being sought to reduce the impact of the measures, and information will be provided at the Mesa Redonda regarding the proposed adjustments to address the people's demands.
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