The Faculty of Communication (FCOM) at the University of Havana joins the growing wave of student discontent against ETECSA's measures, officially announcing that it will not accept the 6 GB package offered by the state-owned company until "more effective solutions that consider the entire population" are presented.
The decision was made by the Expanded Council of the University Student Federation (FEU), which in a statement released on Facebook reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, but made it clear that it will not endorse measures that benefit a few while the majority of the country remains disconnected.
"We continue to bet on critical and strategic dialogue as a tool to resolve, through intelligence, participation, and civic engagement, the issues created by the new rates," the text states.
"We validate the positions and efforts of our colleagues from other faculties, the university authorities, and everyone who collaborates to find a solution to the conflict," he adds.
No to privilege: "The people first"
The refusal to accept ETECSA's data offer undermines the official narrative that attempts to ease university discontent with sectorial concessions, without addressing the structural problem: the growing inequality in Internet access in Cuba, exacerbated by dollarized rates that exclude those who do not receive remittances or earn in foreign currency.
"The Faculty of Communication has initiated the creation of a comprehensive report on internet usage and the impact that new measures have on students. We invite university students to collaborate in this research process to gather data that supports our cause," the statement indicates.
FCOM also joins the call for a direct meeting with high-level government officials, demanding to be an active part in the search for solutions, rather than mere recipients of unilateral measures.
The demand is to address the problems and concerns of the students and "engage in a dialogue in search of solutions."
The university uprising is spreading
With this stance, FCOM joins other faculties that have raised their voices against the so-called "tarifazo" by ETECSA, which restricts the service in Cuban pesos while offering more extensive plans in dollars.
After several days of public statements from various faculties, students have also taken aim at the national president of the FEU.
The Faculty of Biology publicly rejected the authority of Ricardo Rodríguez González, who holds that position, and accused him of not representing the true opinions of the student body.
For its part, the Faculty of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work (Humanities) demanded the immediate resignation of the leader, describing his management as "complacent, passive, and lacking critical perspective."
Meanwhile, the Mathematics and Computer Science students at the University of Havana (UH) reaffirmed in an assembly their decision to maintain the teaching strike in protest against the new measures by ETECSA, which they describe as a direct assault on the Cuban people.
Access to the Internet: a right, not a privilege
In response to widespread outrage, ETECSA announced a partial measure: an additional package of 6 GB for 360 CUP, exclusively for university students, along with free access to more than 40 educational sites.
But young people reject mobile data packages exclusively for them and emphasize that they are not seeking sectorial privileges, but rather social justice and equity in access to the Internet for all citizens.
While the government attempts to extinguish fires with partial offers and rhetoric about ideological discipline, the classrooms in the country are ablaze with legitimate questions and demands that can no longer be ignored.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Protest and ETECSA's Measures in Cuba
Why do the students of the University of Havana reject ETECSA's measures?
Students reject ETECSA's measures because they believe that the new rates restrict access to the Internet and worsen inequality in access to information. The rates are dollarized, which excludes those who do not receive remittances or have income in foreign currency, and limits top-ups in Cuban pesos to a maximum of 360 CUP per month. This directly affects the academic and professional development of students, who rely on access to mobile data for their studies and communication.
What actions have students taken in response to ETECSA's fees?
Students have organized protests and academic strikes, such as the one called by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Havana. They have also issued statements demanding the revocation of the measures and active participation in the search for solutions. Several faculties have joined these initiatives, calling for a reconsideration of the telecommunications model in Cuba to ensure fair and equal access to the Internet.
What has been the response of the government and ETECSA to the student protests?
The government and ETECSA have attempted to alleviate discontent by announcing that students will be able to purchase a second package of 6 GB for 360 CUP, totaling 12 GB per month. Additionally, free access to over 40 educational sites has been declared. However, these measures have been deemed insufficient by students, who are demanding structural changes and genuine dialogue with the authorities to address the Internet access crisis in Cuba.
What is the role of the University Student Federation (FEU) in this conflict?
The FEU has played a complex role in this conflict. Initially, it rejected ETECSA's rates, but later participated in meetings with the company and the government, issuing a statement claiming that important agreements were reached. However, this stance has generated criticism and distrust among students, who feel that the FEU does not adequately represent their interests and acts more as a political arm of the government.
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