The University of Informatics Sciences (UCI) confirmed this Wednesday that it had begun "the process of expanding Wi-Fi access points" on its campus, coinciding with the start of the strike called by university students in protest against the restrictions imposed by ETECSA.
"Since early morning hours, work has been undertaken in various areas of the center to enable new zones with wireless coverage, which will allow for diversified access to the university network and the internet," the institution reported on its official Facebook page.
According to the statement, the action is led by the General Directorate of Technology, with the "support of the University Student Federation (FEU)," and prioritizes "teaching spaces, high-traffic areas, and other areas of interest for the university community."
The UCI stated that the measure is part of its strategy to "ensure connectivity and support for university processes" and emphasized that the effort "reinforces the institution's commitment to securing the technological infrastructure for education, research, and community outreach."
The announcement comes amid a national mobilization day by the student sector against the new rates imposed by the country's only telecommunications company. The university itself had labeled a purported critical statement attributed to its students as “fake news”, in which the restrictions of ETECSA were denounced and internet access was demanded as a right, not a luxury.
Attempts to contain growing discontent
The so-called "digital price hike" announced by ETECSA on May 30— which imposes a limit of 360 CUP per month for national recharges and requires the purchase of additional packages in freely convertible currency— has sparked unprecedented backlash in Cuban universities.
ETECSA tried to contain the crisis on June 3 during the Round Table, where it announced that students would be able to purchase a second package of 6 GB for 360 CUP, adding up to 12 GB per month. It also declared free access to more than 40 educational sites. However, the discontent did not stop.
At the assembly held by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science (MATCOM), a student asked, “Are we vulnerable, or are your measures the ones that make us vulnerable?” referring to the arbitrary criteria with which ETECSA intends to determine preferential access.
From the University of Havana and other institutions such as CUJAE and UCLV, entire faculties have supported the strike, while graduates of the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) have also joined in with a public letter: “We want to be part of this. We want to support you,” they wrote.
A crisis that goes beyond the classrooms
While the UCI presents an image of normality with technological improvements, students report that these initiatives aim to contain protests or prevent their spread in centers historically aligned with the official narrative.
The Cuban government itself and the Communist Party called for "unity" in response to what they describe as a "destabilizing maneuver," and efforts were made within the FEU structures to delegitimize the protest with accusations of external manipulation.
However, the mobilization continues to grow. From Humanities, Sociology, Communication, Mathematics, Psychology, and other faculties, there are demands not only for connectivity but also for participation, authentic representation, and the end of the vertical control of student organizations.
What began as a protest against a data package has turned into a national political phenomenon that calls into question the role of universities as spaces for criticism, participation, and social transformation in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Protest and ETECSA Measures in Cuba
Why are university students in Cuba protesting against ETECSA?
University students in Cuba are protesting against the new ETECSA rates that limit top-ups in Cuban pesos to 360 CUP per month, forcing them to purchase additional packages in foreign currency. These measures have been seen as a digital exclusion that severely impacts their access to the internet, a fundamental resource for their education and communication.
What actions has UCI taken to improve connectivity on its campus?
The University of Computer Sciences (UCI) has begun expanding Wi-Fi access points on its campus, prioritizing teaching spaces and areas with high foot traffic. This measure aims to diversify access to the university network and the internet, in response to student demands for better connectivity conditions.
How has ETECSA responded to student discontent over the rate hike?
ETECSA has attempted to ease student discontent by offering a second package of 6 GB for 360 CUP, totaling 12 GB per month, along with free access to over 40 educational sites. However, these measures have not succeeded in alleviating the discontent, as they do not address the restrictions on top-ups in Cuban pesos or the inequalities created by differential internet access.
What has been the Cuban government's position on the protests regarding ETECSA's rates?
The Cuban government and the Communist Party have called to "close ranks" in response to the student protests, labeling the mobilizations as destabilizing maneuvers. At the same time, they have attempted to delegitimize the protests by accusing them of external manipulation, even as discontent continues to grow in the country's universities.
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