The Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz sparked laughter on social media after sharing his ironic "solution" for obtaining more than one monthly top-up of balance in national currency through ETECSA.
"If you want more than one top-up per month, we'll see you at school in September. Students will be entitled to two top-ups per month... What needs to be done is to study. In September, everyone to the classrooms!" said Ortiz on his social media.
The comedian mocks the recent measure of the state telecommunications monopoly and implicitly recalls the prominence of students in Cuba in recent days.
This week, university students protested against ETECSA's excessive rates, which prompted the regime to allow a second top-up per month exclusively for this sector.
However, discontent persists, as many young people find the measure insufficient and demand the removal of internet access restrictions for the entire Cuban society. Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that his government will not backtrack.
In the video by Otto Ortiz, comments quickly poured in. Some users applauded the satire, while others denounced the emergence of a black market offering national top-ups such as “360 CUP of balance for 1000 Cuban pesos.”
Frequently asked questions about the ETECSA rate hike and internet access in Cuba
What is the new measure from ETECSA that has generated criticism in Cuba?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos to a maximum of 360 CUP per month. This measure forces users to purchase larger data packages in U.S. dollars, which has caused significant outrage as many Cubans do not have access to foreign currency, deepening the digital divide in the country.
What has the comedian Otto Ortiz said about the situation of ETECSA?
Otto Ortiz used satire to criticize ETECSA's measure, ironically suggesting that the "solution" to have more top-ups per month is to study, as university students receive preferential treatment. His comment is a critique of digital exclusion and the restrictions imposed by the state monopoly.
How have university students reacted to the new ETECSA rates?
University students have strongly protested against the new ETECSA fees, labeling them as abusive and limiting to their academic development. The University Student Federation (FEU) has publicly rejected the measures, demanding equal internet access for all of Cuban society.
What impact does the partial dollarization of ETECSA's service have on the Cuban population?
The partial dollarization of ETECSA's service excludes those who do not have access to foreign currency, making internet access an unreachable luxury for many Cubans. This solidifies an economic and digital divide in the country, affecting the right to information, education, and communication.
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