The president of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), Tania Velázquez, asserted this Thursday that the controversial increase in telephone rates is already showing positive financial results, as it "quickly" boosts revenue, while the rejection from the public and the university community grows.
During a recent appearance on the official podcast Desde la Presidencia, hosted by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, Velázquez stated that “the models we created have been fulfilled” and that ETECSA has managed to “rapidly increase revenue flows,” in direct reference to the new rates imposed on telephone and internet services on the island.
Despite the increasing social rejection, which has led to protests, student strikes and criticism from academic sectors such as the University of Havana, the state company continues to defend its decision.
Velázquez added that there is still "a series of steps we need to take as much as possible," without specifying whether these will involve new increases or adjustments to services.
The statements reaffirm that the government is betting on the profitability of the telecommunications sector as a source of income, even in a context of deep economic crisis, limited connectivity, and unequal digital access between rural and urban areas.
Similarly, Velázquez predicted a possible "widespread failure" of the national telecommunications system. “Certain failures have been occurring in this infrastructure that are leading us down a path [...] where we foresee that there could be a widespread failure at some point,” he said.
According to the official, the consequences of this alleged failure would be "that we won't be able to make phone calls, that we won't be able to send messages, that we won't be able to reach our places of study or work [...]", she added, describing a scenario of almost total collapse of the telecommunications system on the island.
The podcast this Thursday, June 5, was promoted in the midst of an indefinite academic strike led by university students, especially from the University of Havana.
The movement demands not only equitable connectivity for students but also real access for all Cubans.
The official response has been a call to “close ranks” against what the regime describes as a “media war” driven by “enemies of the system.”
Students are now even calling for the resignation of the national president of the FEU, Ricardo Rodríguez González, accusing him of failing to represent student interests.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Phone Rate Increase in Cuba and Its Implications
Why has ETECSA increased telephone rates in Cuba?
ETECSA has justified the increase in telephone rates by the need to inject foreign currency into the company to maintain its operations and address high debt levels. ETECSA's president, Tania Velázquez, stated that the increase is necessary to sustain current services due to challenges in importing technology and essential supplies. Additionally, ETECSA aims to attract foreign currency from the international market, capitalizing on reloads from abroad.
How does the increase in phone tariffs affect the Cuban population?
The rate hike has generated strong rejection among the Cuban population, as it has significantly increased the cost of access to the internet and mobile phone services, even exceeding the monthly minimum wage of many Cubans. This has led to a profound digital exclusion, especially for those who do not have access to foreign currency, and has exacerbated economic inequalities in the country.
What has the Cuban government said about the protests against ETECSA's rate hike?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has maintained its position of not suspending the tariff hike, justifying the measure as necessary to prevent a collapse of the telecommunications system and keep services operational. Despite protests and criticism, the regime characterizes the demonstrations as part of a supposed "media war" driven by enemies of the system.
What consequences could the alleged "widespread failure" of telecommunications in Cuba have?
A "widespread failure" could lead to an almost total collapse of the telecommunications system in Cuba, as warned by the president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez. The consequences would include the inability to make phone calls, send messages, or access the internet, which would severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, especially in the educational and labor sectors.
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