The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel appealed to collective responsibility on Thursday night to justify the unpopular rate hike by ETECSA, stating that "we all have duties and rights towards society".
During his official podcast From the Presidency, which featured the presence of the president of the mentioned state company, Tania Velázquez, Díaz-Canel warned that one cannot live “outside the demands imposed on us by the constraints of technology”.
He also stated that some sectors, such as students, artists, workers, and farmers, have shown "understanding" towards the measures to emphasize presenting citizen sacrifice as part of a national strategy.
Despite the growing public discontent, he ruled out suspending the rate increase, in a position that reinforces the gap between the regime and citizens' demands.
The commitment is to closely monitor the results of the measures. Allocate resources to make progress and seek to fulfill obligations. Explain exhaustively how potential profits are being invested, the communist leader stated.
In a broadcast where it became clear that the regime demands that the people accept the rate hike without protest, and where it was also suggested that Cubans should be grateful, it was added that the new measures aim to prevent a technological collapse and eventually improve service quality.
He acknowledged that the telecommunications system is facing "a complex situation from a technological standpoint" and warned that if current decisions are not implemented, the country would be "very close to collapse."
"When a technological collapse occurs, we would also be held accountable for not acting," he said, framing the narrative of an unpopular measure presented as inevitable.
The leader argued that the limited availability of foreign currency threatens the stability of the service, and that complaints about the slowness of the network—“the connection is impossible,” he repeated—have become part of everyday language.
Although he acknowledged that "there is never a better time for measures that remove or limit social benefits," he justified the rate hike as a necessary step.
Díaz-Canel assured that it is necessary to set limits for the system to continue functioning, but also to, in his words, “advance in the development of the system.”
He described the decision as a "tactical retreat": "We were making progress, but we need to stop, step back a bit to gather what we need."
And, with the utmost cynicism, he promised that, in time, "we will be able to recover the rhythms and even surpass the rhythms we had."
He also stated that it is not about halting digital progress, but rather about adjusting the pace.
According to him, the situation is the result of a "confluence of internal factors, but mainly external and induced factors," which has made it technically unsustainable to advance at the desired pace.
He added that as these decisions "start to take effect" and efforts are made to "refine the content of these measures," progress can be made in the digital transformation strategy, including the application of artificial intelligence in services, production, and other areas of national life.
The statements come amid widespread public backlash following the implementation of new rates and restrictions on mobile services.
Far from offering immediate solutions, the official discourse insists once again on sacrifice as the only option, while millions of Cubans face exorbitant prices, limited access, and a digital disconnection imposed by the State.
University protests and citizen frustration
The words of the leader came amid social upheaval. University students —particularly at the University of Havana— have declared an indefinite academic strike, demanding equitable connectivity and real access to the internet for all Cubans.
The protest has escalated to the point of demanding the resignation of the national president of the FEU, Ricardo Rodríguez González, accused of being complicit with the authorities and disconnected from student needs.
The regime's response has been the usual: accusations of a media war and calls to "close ranks" against internal and external enemies. Meanwhile, disconnection, precariousness, and the cost of being online continue to shape the daily lives of millions.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Rate Increase in Cuba
Why has the Cuban government decided to raise ETECSA's rates?
The increase in ETECSA's fees has been justified by the Cuban government as a necessary measure to prevent a technological collapse and to improve the future quality of service. According to Miguel Díaz-Canel, the company faces a limited availability of foreign currency and a very high level of debt, which jeopardizes the stability of telecommunications services on the island.
How has the Cuban population reacted to ETECSA's price hike?
The Cuban population has reacted with widespread rejection to the rate increase imposed by ETECSA. This discontent has manifested in student protests, academic strikes, and criticism from various sectors. Many Cubans believe that the new rates are excessive and hinder access to digital connectivity, exacerbating the digital divide in the country.
What measures have university students taken in response to the increase in fees?
University students, especially at the University of Havana, have declared an indefinite academic strike in protest against the increase in ETECSA's rates. They demand equitable connectivity and real access to the internet for all Cubans, as well as the resignation of the national president of the University Student Federation, Ricardo Rodríguez González.
What is the stance of the Cuban government regarding the social discontent caused by the rate hike?
The Cuban government has held its position of not suspending the increase in ETECSA's rates, arguing that this measure is necessary for the maintenance and development of telecommunications infrastructure. Despite social discontent, the regime insists that the people accept the rate hike and has accused the protests of being part of a media war against the system.
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