The Cuban Telecommunications Company S.A. (ETECSA) published the differences between some of the concepts related to the new measures that restrict top-ups in the national currency and expand services in dollars, and Cubans criticized the alleged "clarification of doubts," reaffirming their dissatisfaction with the rates.
Motivated by inquiries from users, ETECSA clarified that recharging means putting money into a mobile phone, and that money becomes mobile balance; transferring refers to moving balance from one line to another, and purchasing plans involves buying bundled resource offers (data, voice, and SMS).
Dozens of internet users took advantage of the publication to denounce the measures and express that it’s not about not understanding the difference, but rather that they are dissatisfied.
"This is straightforward, we are not abnormal, stop over-explaining, we know that they don't pay attention to the students, they don't let them speak; it's embarrassing how they post photos of the Minister's daughter, who, it's true, has money, and the question is: from where," wrote a Cuban.
Many have questioned why remittances from Cuba are limited when some individuals, due to the nature of their work, require more than one: "Why does Transfermóvil limit me to making two remittances and purchasing two daily plans? I need to add more than two plans daily if I require more voice minutes or SMS, and I can't do that. Didn't they consider this either?"
Opinions consistently highlighted that rather than bringing foreign currency into the country, ETECSA was attempting to limit the information capacity of Cubans.
"What they want to do is prohibit without actually prohibiting, how? Byslowly taking away access to the internet to prevent them from receiving information from outside, in a modern Stalinist style," wrote one person.
ETECSA has justified the increase in rates due to a financial crisis caused by fraud and the loss of 60% of its international revenues. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by the public, who criticize the lack of transparency and the negative impact on access to basic services.
The dollarization of ETECSA's services limits access to connectivity for those who do not have access to foreign currency, which increases economic and digital inequality in Cuba, leaving many people without the ability to access essential communication services.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Measures and Their Impact in Cuba
What changes has ETECSA implemented in its recharge plans?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to 360 per month, which has sparked criticism from Cubans who see the measure as restrictive and exclusionary. Furthermore, the new data plans are only available in United States dollars (USD), increasing economic and digital inequality in the country.
How do these measures affect Cubans who do not receive remittances?
The restrictions imposed by ETECSA limit access to connectivity for those who do not have access to foreign currency. This increases the digital divide, as international top-ups are necessary to access Internet services, leaving many Cubans unable to connect, especially those who rely on salaries in CUP.
Why does ETECSA justify the new rates and limitations?
ETECSA claims that the new measures aim to sustain and develop the telecommunications network in Cuba due to a financial crisis, including the loss of 60% of its international revenues. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by the public, which criticizes the lack of transparency and the negative impact on access to basic services.
What impact does the dollarization of ETECSA services have on the Cuban population?
The dollarization of ETECSA's mobile service creates massive exclusion for citizens who do not have access to foreign currency, turning an essential service like Internet access into a privilege for those who receive remittances or have access to dollars. This deepens economic inequality and limits access to information and communication on the island.
How have Cubans reacted to ETECSA's new measures?
The response from the population has been one of indignation and criticism towards ETECSA and the Cuban government. Many Cubans have expressed their displeasure on social media and have described the measures as abusive and exclusionary. Additionally, some have proposed boycotts of international top-ups as a form of protest against the dollarization of telecommunications services.
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