During the Round Table on Wednesday, while ETECSA executives attempted to justify the new restrictions imposed on prepaid customers, host Randy Alonso resorted to an old tactic of the regime: citing voices from abroad that support these unpopular measures.
On this occasion, he read an extensive comment by Irán Cabrera, who identified himself as a professor at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico and a former student of the University of Havana.
In his message, Cabrera stated that not all students in Mexico have mobile data and that access to the Internet at universities is provided through Wi-Fi networks that require an individual login code.
"There is no waywardness," he stated while asserting that each student must register their devices—such as a phone, a PC, or a tablet—at the computing center.
According to what he explained, this also imposes limitations: "Not everyone has internet access, and it's not due to ignorance; they simply don't have it. I am one of those who always criticizes; it's a necessary situation, but it's better to have a little than to have nothing at all, and it is temporary," he stated.
Cabrera argued that those who use the internet for commercial purposes should "pay more," as he himself, as a teacher, relies on the network to provide consultations but must cover his connection costs from his own earnings.
He also stated that he always found internet prices in Cuba to be "strangely low" and suggested that the connection be strengthened in workplaces and universities, without falling into "the paranoia of mystery that leads to shouting because they’re going to access who knows where and might do who knows what."
In his opinion, if there is concern, access to certain websites can be restricted without denying connectivity.
He also called for strengthening the use of Cuban ICTs so that they can serve to showcase local businesses, connect service and production sectors, and reduce dependence on external platforms.
In his words: "That people can showcase their companies or their virtual businesses, but with Cuban ICT."
The comment was presented on national television as a reasonable viewpoint and an international perspective that supports the government's restrictive policies.
However, for many Cubans, the use of an isolated testimony to downplay popular discontent only reinforces the perception that the authorities ignore or mock everyday reality.
These claims also come in a context of social unrest stemming from the rate hike imposed by ETECSA, which affects all sectors of Cuban civil society, further limiting their suffering.
In parallel, ETECSA promotes the use of ToDus as a national alternative, while the UCI promises Wi-Fi improvements “in the medium term”, following multiple complaints from students about connection failures.
Also in this context, the Cuban vice prime minister, Eduardo Martínez Díaz, assured that the average monthly mobile data consumption on the island exceeds that of Latin America and the Caribbean, with a figure of 10 gigabytes per user.
"The average monthly consumption reached 10 GB. This is actually a significantly high level of consumption. In our region, it is below 10. In the Latin American and Caribbean region, it is around 7. Only the United States and Chile have a higher consumption than we do," stated Martínez Díaz.
The deputy minister stated that the measures "had been studied, and it was modelled that approximately 50% of our population consumes around 6 gigabytes monthly, which is the amount that is now available at more affordable prices, even at a lower price than what we had before."
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Connection in Cuba and ETECSA's Measures
Is it true that the internet connection in Cuba is better than in Mexico?
The claim that internet connectivity in Cuba surpasses that of Mexican universities was made by Irán Cabrera, a Cuban professor in Mexico, but it does not represent a complete or impartial assessment of the connectivity conditions in both countries. The statement was used to justify the restrictive measures imposed by ETECSA and has been seen as part of an attempt to downplay public discontent in Cuba.
What are the new restrictions from ETECSA for internet access?
ETECSA has limited recharges in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 per month, which forces users to purchase larger data packages in US dollars (USD) or at excessive costs in CUP. This measure aims to attract more foreign currency, but it has faced criticism for excluding those without access to dollars, particularly impacting the most vulnerable sectors.
How has the Cuban population reacted to ETECSA's measures?
The Cuban population has reacted with discontent and criticism towards ETECSA's measures, labeling them as a "rate hike" that increases inequality in internet access. University students have called for academic strikes, and citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, highlighting the negative impact these measures have on education and access to information.
What justifications has the Cuban government provided for the new internet rates?
The Cuban government has argued that the new rates are "painful but temporary," justifying the measures as necessary to address the "complex economic situation of the country." However, these explanations have been met with skepticism and criticism, as they do not provide concrete solutions or timelines to improve connectivity on the island.
What alternative measures is ETECSA promoting?
ETECSA has promoted the use of the ToDus application as a national alternative and has promised improvements in Wi-Fi connectivity at universities "in the medium term." However, these measures are seen as insufficient in light of current restrictions and have not succeeded in alleviating the widespread discontent among Cuban users.
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