The Cuban content creator known as @am_newage.mdr has sparked laughter and reflection on Instagram by posting a satirical video in which he proposes to exchange his mobile phone line for a fully furnished apartment in one of the best neighborhoods of Havana.
"If my dad sees this video, I want to tell him not to threaten me anymore with kicking me out of the house if I don't work or study. I am trading my mobile plan for an apartment with everything included in Nuevo Vedado," declared the young man determinedly in his Instagram video.
He claimed to have "27 gigabytes and 8,700 pesos in balance", which in the current context of the informal Cuban market represents a "fortune".
The video has gone viral on social media. The young Cuban mocks the impact of the new rates imposed by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) and the dollarization of mobile services in the country.
Since May 30, ETECSA has limited recharges in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 over a 30-day period. This forces customers to purchase larger data packages in US dollars (USD) from abroad.
In response, an informal market has emerged where foreign currency balance is traded as a commodity, which has sparked outrage for further restricting access to connectivity on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dollarization of Mobile Services in Cuba and Its Effects
What measures has ETECSA implemented regarding mobile top-ups in Cuba?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 within a 30-day period. This means that users who want more data must resort to packages purchased in US dollars (USD) from abroad, which has sparked a wave of criticism for excluding those who do not have access to foreign currency.
How have Cubans reacted to these new measures from ETECSA?
The reaction has been primarily negative, with outrage and frustration expressed on social media and digital platforms. Users believe that these measures amount to a "robbery at gunpoint" that increases digital inequality by favoring those who receive remittances or have access to foreign currency, while severely limiting those who only rely on the devalued Cuban peso.
What impact does the dollarization of mobile services have on the Cuban population?
The dollarization of mobile services in Cuba deepens inequality and limits access to connectivity. While dollar plans are affordable for those with relatives abroad, prices in CUP are unattainable for most of the population. This makes internet access a privilege, particularly affecting those who rely on connectivity for work or study.
What alternatives do Cubans have to maintain connectivity in this new scenario?
In response to the restrictions, an informal market has emerged where currency balances are traded as a commodity. Cubans receiving USD top-ups from abroad can sell the balance to those without access to foreign currency. However, this informal solution does not address the underlying causes of digital exclusion and may create further inequality.
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