Related videos:
Journalist Mario J. Pentón reported on Monday that a high-level internal source at ETECSA confirmed to him that the company does not plan to reverse the recent price hike imposed on its main telecommunications services, including international top-ups in dollars.
In his post on Facebook, Pentón explained that the decision, according to the cited source, "was made at the national level," which indicates that it is not merely a commercial strategy, but rather a policy supported by the highest authorities of the Cuban regime, despite public opposition and recent protests in the university sector.
As a possible measure of "compensation," ETECSA is reportedly preparing a relaxation of the Nauta Hogar service, which provides fixed internet connectivity in homes.
However, this alternative serves as a consolation prize with no real impact, as most Cuban households experience frequent blackouts, lack the technical conditions, or do not have the necessary equipment to take advantage of the service.
“It’s just another patch for a reality that is falling apart,” Pentón summarized in his post, alluding to the lack of sensitivity between the decisions of the state-owned company and the real needs of the Cuban people.
As mobile internet access becomes more expensive and dollarized, ETECSA is attempting to frame this measure as a technical concession.
However, in practice, the easing of a service that is inaccessible for the majority does not alleviate the burden of the rate hike, nor does it resolve the deep issue of technological inequality that permeates the country.
Recently, amid the controversy sparked by the recent increase in mobile service rates by ETECSA, the telecommunications monopoly of Cuba announced that it will implement a new modality for Internet access service from home, although without providing specific details about how it will work or its rates.
The commercial vice president of the state company, Lidia Esther Hidalgo, announced this Monday on the Mesa Redonda program that "during the summer we will announce a new option, which will be optional," referring to the Nauta Hogar service, one of the most criticized by users due to its prices and technical limitations, reported the agency Prensa Latina.
This service allows connection from residences using ADSL technology, with plans that vary based on the number of contracted hours.
However, the brief announcement has raised concerns among the population as, following the recent increase in the cost of accessing the internet via mobile data, many people will now rely more on the Nauta Hogar service to connect, leading to fears of new restrictions or price hikes in this system.
According to Hidalgo, the new offering will aim to adapt to the different consumption profiles of customers, a statement that, given how unpopular the recent changes have been, generates skepticism and little trust among users.
"Some exhaust the available hours, while others do not. We are going to make an offer that seems quite interesting to us," he said.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Rate Increase and Its Implications
Why won’t ETECSA reverse the rate hike?
ETECSA will not reverse the price hike because the decision was made at the national level, which implies support from the highest levels of the Cuban regime. This measure aims to inject foreign currency into a debt-ridden company and sustain its basic operations, although it has faced backlash from the population due to its impact on access to the internet and mobile phone services.
What compensation measures does ETECSA offer in response to the rate increase?
As a compensation measure, ETECSA is preparing a flexibility in the Nauta Hogar service, which offers fixed internet connection in households. However, this alternative is seen as inadequate, as many Cuban homes face frequent blackouts and lack the necessary technical conditions to take advantage of the service.
How do the new ETECSA rates affect Cubans who do not receive remittances?
The new rates from ETECSA severely impact Cubans who do not receive remittances, as it limits top-ups in Cuban pesos to 360 CUP per month, forcing them to turn to data packages in dollars, which are inaccessible for those without access to foreign currency. This perpetuates inequality and restricts access to an essential service like the internet.
Is it true that ETECSA is dollarizing its services?
Although the president of ETECSA denies total dollarization, the company has introduced new data plans in dollars and has limited national recharges in CUP. This has been seen as a step towards partial dollarization, which has generated criticism due to the exclusion of those who only have Cuban pesos.
What is the reaction of Cubans to ETECSA's rate hike?
The reaction of Cubans has been one of indignation and rejection in response to ETECSA's rate hike. Many believe the measures are unfair and exclusionary, exacerbating inequality in access to essential services. Criticism has surged on social media, reflecting widespread discontent towards the telecommunications monopoly and the Cuban government.
Filed under: