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In a new attempt to create the illusion of dialogue between university students and officials from the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University of Havana (CUJAE) hosted the establishment of a "Multidisciplinary Group" composed of 30 students from various universities across the country.
The measure, announced by the government-backed Radio Rebelde, aims to project the image that the concerns of young people are being heard following the widespread rejection of the recent rate hike implemented by ETECSA.
According to the information released, the group will be responsible for engaging with executives from the state-owned company, analyzing the new trade measures imposed, making proposals, and seeking "future collaborations" that will benefit the university community.
The creation of this group emerged as a direct response to the growing discontent among students, who have used social media to denounce the high prices of internet access in a country where connectivity is a privilege rather than a right.
The national vice president of the University Student Federation (FEU), Litza González Desdín, stated during the event that the group is a result of students' demands to be heard, and she reaffirmed that the organization remains committed to “the paths of the revolution.”
However, beyond the formal speeches and the carefully crafted enthusiasm, the reality is that ETECSA has already made it clear that there will be no turning back on its rates, and that current prices will remain "aligned with its economic model."
The company has closed the door to any significant reviews, limiting itself to justifying the increases by citing operational costs and the supposed need for "sustainability."
For this reason, many view these types of initiatives as a form of symbolic control, where participation is simulated without any real opportunity to influence.
The creation of commissions or advisory groups has been a common strategy within the Cuban state apparatus to alleviate social pressure without altering power structures or previously made decisions.
Meanwhile, thousands of students continue to rely on international top-ups, personal savings, or family favors to stay connected, study, research, or even access basic services.
Instead of responding with concrete changes, the government chooses to set up working groups without guarantees, transparency, or verifiable results.
The "multidisciplinary" group will soon meet with ETECSA, and it was announced that "in a few weeks" the first results of the meeting will be revealed.
If these results imply anything more than ignored suggestions or empty promises, it remains to be seen, but in the meantime, the price hike remains in effect and the outrage continues.
The same FEU that today promotes "dialogue" with ETECSA was the one that, through its president Ricardo Rodríguez, recently fully supported the rate increase, aligning itself with the official narrative of the regime.
It's hard to believe in a genuine negotiation when those who are supposed to represent the students already applauded the measure before even sitting down at the table.
However, following the support of the national president of the FEU for ETECSA's pricing policy, the controversy continued to escalate, leading to the creation of a massive wave of citizen outrage on social media.
Another instance of the FEU's official alignment with the regime occurred when, in response to the growing student unrest over ETECSA's price hike, the organization at the Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas (UCLV) issued a statement in which, rather than sympathizing with the grievances, asserted that its priority was to “maintain tranquility” on the university campus, making it clear that its role is to contain protests, not to represent them.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Multidisciplinary Group and ETECSA Rates
What is the "Multidisciplinary Group" created by the FEU to address ETECSA's rate increase?
The "Multidisciplinary Group" is composed of 30 students from various Cuban universities and was created with the aim of exchanging ideas with the executives of ETECSA, analyzing the current commercial measures, and proposing future collaborations that benefit the university community. However, there is skepticism about the actual effectiveness of this group, given the government's historical control over ETECSA's decisions.
Why has ETECSA's price hike generated so much discontent among Cuban students?
The ETECSA price hike has caused dissatisfaction because it limits access to the internet, a fundamental resource for study and communication, especially in a context where salaries are low and access to foreign currency is limited. Students rely on the internet to fulfill their academic and professional responsibilities, and the new rates make it unattainable for many.
What has been ETECSA's response to the criticism regarding the rate increase?
ETECSA has justified the rate increases due to operating costs and the need for sustainability, but has ruled out any possibility of a significant review. The company has offered additional data packages for university students, but these measures are viewed as inadequate by a large portion of the student body.
How has the student community reacted to ETECSA's measures?
The student community has reacted with protests and statements against the fare increase, demanding a review of the measures. Entire faculties have called for the resignation of student representatives whom they believe are not defending their interests, and have organized academic strikes as a form of peaceful resistance.
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