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The faculty of the Department of Sociology and Social Work at the University of Havana (UH) has publicly expressed its discontent with the new rates imposed by the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), in a statement that represents one of the strongest positions from a Cuban academic institution against recent state decisions.
In the statement published on the social network Facebook, the educators expressed that the decision was made without prior public consultation, which they consider a lack of institutional sensitivity in light of the severe economic crisis the country is experiencing.
They warned that the increase in prices not only affects students and workers but also deepens the inequality between urban and rural areas, where access to the internet was already limited and uneven.
The faculty warned about the negative consequences of these measures for academic life, research, teaching, and communication with more vulnerable communities.
Moreover, they pointed out that the new pricing policy does not represent the will or the well-being of the Cuban people, but rather responds to a logic that is foreign to the social commitment that should govern public institutions.
The statement also reinforces the call for citizen participation and critique from academic spaces, in defense of the right to fair, accessible connectivity that aligns with the social realities of the country.
The increasing wave of opposition to ETECSA's price hike has escalated to a new level of confrontation within the student movement itself.
On June 3rd, the Faculty of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work (FEU-FHS) of the University of Havana issued an unprecedented statement in which it demanded the immediate resignation of the national president of the University Student Federation (FEU), Ricardo Rodríguez González, as it believes he has failed to represent the interests of the student body during the current crisis.
The students also reported a lack of clear responses from the company’s management following a meeting with university authorities, and demanded the complete repeal of the measures or, at the very least, the removal of the monthly recharge limit of 360 CUP.
Despite the position of different faculties, UH issued an official statement in which it assured that it would not allow interruptions in its educational processes, clearly referring to the academic strike called by students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computing, and reaffirmed its unconditional support for the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
"Nothing and no one will interrupt our educational processes with calls that are completely detached from the spirit that has guided the exchanges with student and youth organizations. The University of Havana does not waver in its revolutionary essence and in its mission to support the Communist Party of Cuba and the Government," the statement reads.
The conflict has surpassed the boundaries of access to technology and has turned into an open dispute over youth representation in Cuba.
In a country where youth has historically been instrumentalized as a pillar of political legitimacy, the questioning of the leadership of the FEU presents an unprecedented challenge.
For the first time in years, students from an emblematic faculty like Humanities are publicly demanding the resignation of their top representative, who is now also a member of the State Council headed by Miguel Díaz-Canel.
While other faculties continue to join the opposition to the fare hike and critical voices are rising both inside and outside the University of Havana, the national leadership of the FEU is facing an unprecedented crisis of authority and trust.
The future of this confrontation is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the new generation of students is willing to stand up for their rights and their voice, even if that means questioning those who have, until now, spoken on their behalf with words dictated by the power of the totalitarian regime.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Rate Hike and the Student Protest in Cuba
Why has ETECSA's rate hike in Cuba generated so much controversy?
ETECSA's rate increase has sparked controversy as it limits access to the Internet, a crucial resource for students and professionals. The new rates, which impose a monthly top-up limit of 360 CUP, severely impact access to information, education, and communication, deepening the inequality between those who can pay in dollars and those who cannot. Furthermore, these measures were not discussed with the public, leading to significant social backlash.
What has been the reaction of university students to the price increase?
University students have reacted with protests and academic strikes in various faculties of the University of Havana. They are demanding a complete revocation of the measures imposed by ETECSA or, at the very least, a substantial modification. They require transparent dialogue with the authorities and a solution that ensures equitable access to the internet, emphasizing that they are not seeking sectorial privileges, but social justice for all Cubans.
What role has the University Student Federation (FEU) played in this conflict?
The FEU has been caught in a legitimacy crisis, as it has been accused of not adequately representing the interests of the student body. Although they initially criticized ETECSA's fees, some FEU leaders have later been perceived as aligned with the official narrative, generating discontent among students. The FEU from several faculties has demanded the resignation of its national president for his inability to defend student interests.
What impact do the new ETECSA rates have on the academic and social lives of Cuban students?
The new ETECSA rates negatively impact academic life by limiting access to educational resources and communication with teachers and specialists, which are essential for research and academic performance. Socially, they deepen inequality, as many students cannot afford the new costs, affecting their right to information and to actively participate in the academic and social life of the country.
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