In an attempt to justify the unpopular restrictions on internet access imposed by ETECSA, the Cuban government described the measures on Tuesday as "painful but temporary".
During the last Round Table discussion on the topic, Vice Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz defended the restrictions as a response to the "complex economic situation of the country" and called for "citizen understanding" regarding decisions that, he stated, are "painful but necessary."
The official statement, far from calming tensions, has been met with skepticism by a citizenry grappling with increasing difficulties in staying connected, studying, or working.
The executive admitted that the measure was not communicated properly. "Our people are intelligent, cultured, and educated. The process of communicating the measure was not well done, we can't say otherwise," he said.
"It is not a whimsical decision."
Martínez Díaz stated that the changes are part of the government's program to "boost the Cuban economy in 2025," and that "modeling" was conducted to try to minimize the impact on sensitive sectors such as students, teachers, and healthcare professionals.
However, the limitations continue to affect a significant portion of the population, especially the most vulnerable sectors who do not have access to dollars, which is an essential requirement to purchase additional data packages beyond the monthly limit of 360 CUP.
Martínez promised that, "in time," the country could "regain the level of access that the population had" and even "reduce costs," but he did not provide specific dates or structural measures to ensure it.
More promises, same disconnection
During a previous broadcast of the Round Table, the president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, announced that university students could purchase a second package of 6 GB for an additional 360 CUP, bringing the total to 12 GB per month.
Forty educational sites were also made free of charge. However, these modifications do not change the central scheme of exclusion that prevents millions of Cubans from accessing the Internet freely without resorting to the dollarized market.
In fact, ETECSA itself acknowledged that nearly 50% of the population will have limited access, which constitutes a clear regression from achievements previously celebrated by the government as part of the "computerization of society" process.
For their part, university students have raised their voices in a coordinated and brave manner, demanding a telecommunications policy that is fair, transparent, and aligned with the right to education.
Students of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Havana have called for an indefinite academic strike, joined by faculties of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work, among others.
Young people reject mobile data packages exclusive to them, emphasizing that they are not seeking sectorial privileges, but rather social justice and equity in internet access for all citizens.
An unsustainable model
The government argues that it needs to sustain the technological infrastructure, which requires hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
However, what becomes evident is an inefficient economic model that once again places the burden of the crisis on the citizens, instead of seeking structural solutions or diversifying sources of funding.
In response to popular discontent, the government’s answer has been the same as always: rhetoric of resistance, promises without deadlines, and a call for obedience without genuine dialogue.
Disconnection is not just technological
The biggest problem is not that Cubans have fewer mobile data. It’s that the government seems increasingly disconnected from the real needs of the country.
While students are accused of being manipulated by voices opposing the regime, the population faces restrictions that limit their development, their right to information, and their capacity for organization.
By insisting on unpopular measures without listening to the voices crying out for justice and equity, the dictatorship has caused a generational rift with sectors that have historically been pillars of the system, such as the university student body.
In the words of the vice prime minister himself, this is "a loss of something we had conquered." But it's not just about the Internet. What has been lost, painfully and dangerously, is trust.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Measures in Cuba
Why has ETECSA limited the use of the Cuban peso for mobile top-ups?
ETECSA has limited the use of the Cuban peso (CUP) for mobile top-ups to 360 CUP per month in order to support technological infrastructure and attract foreign currency. Official justifications include the need to finance the telecommunications network in a complex economic context, although these measures have been criticized for excluding those who do not have access to foreign currency.
What alternatives does ETECSA offer for students in light of the new rates?
ETECSA has announced that university students will be able to purchase a second data package of 6 GB for 360 CUP, totaling 12 GB per month for 720 CUP. Additionally, more than 40 educational sites have been made available at no cost to facilitate access to academic platforms without consuming mobile data, although these measures do not address the limitations of the current pricing scheme.
What does ETECSA's "tarifazo" entail and how does it affect Cubans?
The "tarifazo" by ETECSA implies a cap on top-ups in CUP to 360 monthly, thereby limiting internet access for a large part of the population. To obtain more data, Cubans must pay in US dollars, which creates inequalities by restricting internet access only to those who receive remittances or have access to foreign currency.
What has the Cuban government promised regarding ETECSA's measures?
The government has described ETECSA's measures as "painful but temporary" and claims they are necessary to boost the Cuban economy. It has been promised that, over time, the previous level of access could be restored and costs reduced, although no specific dates or structural measures have been provided to ensure this.
Filed under:
