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The Evangelical Pentecostal Church of Cuba – Assemblies of God joined this Saturday in the growing condemnation of the so-called "rate hike" by the Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), which it labeled as "misguided decisions" that add to the burden on a population already struggling with multiple crises.
Through an official statement, the Christian institution reported that the abrupt increase in prices for telecommunications services represents a severe blow to its community, which consists of housewives, laborers, farmers, students, children, and retired seniors, all of whom— it asserts— will see their daily lives significantly impacted by the so-called "tarifazo."
In its statement, the Church emphasizes that the country is experiencing a reality marked by complex and difficult hardships, where the new costs of connectivity represent an additional burden for the most vulnerable population.
The statement demands a response from the Cuban government and ETECSA “that results in the least possible harm for the Cuban people.”
"These measures affect the spiritual, family, and community life of millions of people who use digital services to communicate, educate themselves, work, or simply stay connected with their loved ones," the text states.
The statement from the Assemblies of God is particularly significant as it pertains to one of the largest and most organized evangelical denominations in the country, with thousands of congregations and a strong community presence.
Unlike technical or political statements, this one carries a moral and pastoral tone, calling for empathy, social sensitivity, and common sense in making decisions that have a national impact.
"In accordance with the Christian duty of compassion, expressed in the letter to the Romans: 'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.' We join our voice and feel the national call in hopes of obtaining a solution that brings solace and peace," the statement expresses.
The statement adds to other expressions of discontent from student, artistic, and civic sectors that have questioned the lack of transparency and the disproportion of the new rates imposed by the state telecommunications company.
In a country where access to the Internet is becoming increasingly essential for daily life, work, and spiritual needs, decisions about connectivity are no longer just technical or economic; they are profoundly human.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ETECSA Rate Hike in Cuba
Why did the Pentecostal Evangelical Church of Cuba speak out against ETECSA's measures?
The Pentecostal Evangelical Church of Cuba has spoken out against ETECSA's measures because it believes that the increase in prices for telecommunications services seriously affects its community, which consists of vulnerable individuals such as homemakers, workers, and students. The statement emphasizes that these measures increase the burden on a population already impacted by multiple crises and demands a response from the government that minimizes the harm caused to the Cuban people.
What has been ETECSA's response to the criticisms of the rate hike?
ETECSA has defended the need for the rate increase arguing that it is necessary to prevent a technical collapse of telecommunications in the country. The president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, apologized for the lack of prior communication regarding the measures, but justified the increase in rates as a strategy to generate revenue, particularly from an international market that wishes to communicate with its relatives in Cuba.
How has the student community reacted to ETECSA's price hike?
The student community has reacted with protests and academic strikes in response to the price hike by ETECSA. Students view these measures as an "unjustified price increase" that limits their access to the internet, which is essential for their education and communication. They have demanded equitable connectivity and the resignation of the president of the FEU for not representing their interests, reflecting the growing social discontent among young Cubans.
What is the Cuban government's position on ETECSA's price hike?
The Cuban government has supported ETECSA's price hike despite the criticism, justifying the measure as necessary to maintain the country's technological infrastructure. Although adjustments have been promised to mitigate the impact on specific sectors, such as students, the responses have been perceived as insufficient. The government insists that the criticism is part of a "media war," while social discontent continues to grow.
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