Students from the Faculty of Audiovisual Media (FAMCA) at the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) reiterated their rejection of the new rates set by the state communications company ETECSA and demanded public explanations from the national president of the University Student Federation (FEU), Ricardo Rodríguez.
In an open letter, the students reported on a meeting held on June 4th with executives from ETECSA, the Ministry of Higher Education (MES), and representatives from the ISA and the FEU, where they discussed the demands arising from the sudden price increase in mobile data packages, known as "the tariff hike".
Despite the technical explanations provided by ETECSA officials—who acknowledged communication errors, the company's current financial crisis, and potential solutions in development—students expressed multiple grievances.
"The prices of the new packages severely restrict our possibilities as creators and put us at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the world in the professional arena," they stated in their announcement.
FAMCA students indicate that their academic and professional activity relies heavily on the intensive management of large volumes of files: downloading, uploading, and exchanging audiovisual materials. They assert that the rising costs of digital services have drastically limited their daily and professional lives.
"It's incomprehensible how the company, which is now declaring a need for foreign currency, did not take any preventive measures earlier and suddenly imposes such high rates on a national scale," they questioned.
They denounce a lack of transparency in management and a violation of citizen rights due to the absence of public consultation regarding the adjustment of tariffs, the magnitude of which — they claim — should have been forewarned.
In their statement, they emphasize that the solution should not be exclusive to students but should extend to the entire population: "ETECSA's issues cannot be a problem of social exclusion."
In the ongoing exchange with the national president of the FEU, Ricardo Rodríguez, the students expressed their displeasure with the way the organization has managed the demands of the university community, not only at the ISA but across the country. In this context, they called for his resignation
“We reiterate our rejection of the measures adopted and believe that the solutions offered so far are insufficient,” they declared.
They warn that the issues with ETECSA have spread throughout society, undermining the right to free expression and increasing public dissatisfaction with the management of the state-owned enterprise.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ETECSA Rate Hike and Student Protests in Cuba
Why do FAMCA students reject the rate hike from ETECSA?
Students from the Faculty of Audiovisual Media (FAMCA) reject the price increase from ETECSA because they believe that the new rates severely restrict their possibilities as audiovisual creators. They argue that the rising costs of digital services limit their academic and professional activities, as they rely on the intensive handling of large volumes of files to download, upload, and exchange audiovisual materials.
What is the position of the University Student Federation (FEU) regarding ETECSA's rate hike?
The University Student Federation (FEU) has taken a critical stance against ETECSA's price hike, demanding a review of the tariffs and denouncing the lack of transparency in decision-making. However, after meetings with authorities, the FEU issued a statement in which, despite the initial criticism, praised the "spaces of exchange" with ETECSA, generating criticism and distrust among students who believe that the organization does not adequately represent their interests.
What impact do the new ETECSA rates have on the Cuban university community?
The new rates from ETECSA negatively impact students' ability to access educational platforms, study materials, and research tools. Furthermore, they limit internet access, an essential tool for studying and personal development, affecting academic performance and deepening inequality, especially for those students who do not receive remittances or income in foreign currency.
What demands have students made in response to ETECSA's price hike?
The students have demanded the total revocation of ETECSA's measures or, at the very least, the removal of the 360 CUP limit for monthly top-ups. They have also called for a horizontal and transparent exchange with the highest authorities of the country to seek real solutions that not only benefit the students but also the entire Cuban population, ensuring fair and equitable access to the internet.
What has been the Cuban government's reaction to the student protests against ETECSA's price hike?
The Cuban government has justified the measures as an economic necessity, but it has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and prior consultation. In response to the protests, meetings have been held between ETECSA, the government, and student organizations, but the solutions offered have been deemed insufficient by the students, who continue to demand structural changes in the country's telecommunications policies.
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