As discontent among Cuban students grows against the measures implemented by the Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba (ETECSA), and as the regime attempts to deny the university protests against the hike in tariffs, videos are continuing to circulate on social media featuring interventions by young people who strongly denounce the recent imposition of restrictions on national top-ups and the increase in the dollarization of mobile phone services.
Joan Santana Zamora, a student of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Havana, stated recently that the rate hike is "the last straw."
Upon taking the floor at a meeting with the representatives of the FEU from his faculty and officials from ETECSA, the young man read a statement he had prepared earlier.
In a strong message, Santana stated that the measures come in the context of long power outages lasting 20 hours and the precariousness of labor and insufficient wages to make ends meet.
" salaries that do not cover the most basic needs and the feeling that every day is a struggle against a system that doesn't work. And now ETECSA, without prior notice, raises the rates and takes away what allowed us to escape reality. It takes away our access to the little information we had. It limits our ability to study and connect with our loved ones more effectively," he exclaimed.
He also asked publicly at what point the excess of "resistance" from the Cuban people became normalized, who always have to "endure more."
In the arbitrariness of ETECSA, it also recognized a pattern in which laws and measures are imposed without prior notice, while expecting the people to accept them with resignation and without protest.
"How many times are decisions made that affect millions? How many times are the regulations themselves violated because nothing happens? We are not just numbers, we are students who need the internet to research and submit assignments," he declared.
Demanding the revocation of the measures, the student warned that "resistance" is not synonymous with "submission," which is why Cuban students are calling for the respect of the contract that the company itself created.
"We are not asking for charity," he concluded his protest.
This Thursday, the Faculty of Chemistry at the UH spoke out against ETECSA's decision. In an official statement, they warned that if the situation is not resolved before the end of the semester, they will progressively and actively exhaust all resources at their disposal to demand real change.
This statement adds to an unusual atmosphere of unrest in Cuban universities, where ETECSA's price hike has sparked a wave of opposition among young people, who are witnessing how access to the internet—an essential tool for studying, working, and communicating—becomes increasingly unattainable.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Price Increase and Student Protests in Cuba
Why are Cuban students protesting against ETECSA?
Cuban students are protesting against ETECSA due to the increase in internet rates, which they refer to as a "rate hike." These rates restrict access to mobile data and limit top-ups in national currency, making internet access unaffordable for many. They also believe that these measures hinder access to information, education, and communication, which are essential for their academic and personal development.
What impact does the ETECSA rate hike have on student life in Cuba?
The tariff increase by ETECSA seriously impacts student life in Cuba, as it restricts access to the internet, an essential tool for studying, researching, and communicating. Students rely on mobile data access for their studies and communication with their tutors, especially those who are abroad. Furthermore, high tariffs and the dollarization of services make it impossible for many students to afford the necessary data packages.
What actions are Cuban students taking in response to ETECSA's price hike?
Cuban students have called for academic strikes as a form of protest against the new fees imposed by ETECSA. Additionally, they have released multiple statements demanding the repeal of these measures and a transparent dialogue with the authorities. The protests have escalated into a national mobilization within universities, with students from various faculties joining their voices to demand fairer fees and equitable access to the internet.
What has been the response of the Cuban government to the student protests?
The Cuban government, together with ETECSA, has maintained its stance of not rolling back the increase in rates, arguing that these measures are necessary to sustain the country's technological infrastructure. However, it has offered some limited concessions, such as allowing university students to purchase a second data package at a subsidized price, although these measures have been deemed insufficient by the student movement.
What is the position of the University Student Federation (FEU) regarding ETECSA's rate hike?
The University Student Federation (FEU) has openly rejected ETECSA's price increase, denouncing that the new rates restrict fundamental rights such as information, education, and communication. The FEU has issued critical statements and supported student protests, demanding an urgent review of the measures and alternatives that align with the economic realities of students.
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