The Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) announced on Thursday two new commercial offers that will take effect on June 20: a data plan of 2 GB for 1,200 CUP for the general public and another one of 6 GB for 360 CUP exclusive for university students.
According to executives from the state-owned company in a meeting with the press, the new proposals are a result of the criticisms—more accurately, protests—received following the implementation of their previous commercial measures.
ETECSA defended its position by stating that it has made "the maximum possible effort" to provide a more affordable option within the current conditions of the country.
"We have managed to find a halfway solution at this moment... it is what we can define at this time," stated Yusmani Rojas Pérez, deputy director of the commercial vice presidency of ETECSA, in a report from the official Televisión Cubana.
The new 2 GB plan—which can be purchased once every 30 days and will be valid for 35 days—will be sold through Transfermóvil and the Online Services website, without deducting from the main balance.
Although its price is lower than the 3 GB plan at 3,360 CUP, the company acknowledges that it does not meet the actual needs of many users.
Nevertheless, they insisted that this is an "intermediate value" that represents, according to the company, an attempt to align with the actual possibilities of the population without jeopardizing the financial stability of their operations.
In the case of students, a sector plan will be made available with 6 GB for 360 CUP, also accessible through digital channels, but only for those who have their mobile lines registered in their name.
ETECSA informed that it is working with universities to update the ownership of the lines that many students have been using since they were minors, when they were registered in the names of their parents or other relatives.
The company also addressed questions regarding the sustainability of its services, stating that, due to the increase in revenue from the previous measures, some halted services could soon be resumed, such as alternative fixed-line telephony, interruption repairs, and the marketing of the Nauta Hogar service.
Executives indicated that solutions are being sought for other social sectors with connectivity demands, but warned that any new decision must be carefully evaluated, as ETECSA stated that it "cannot compromise the gradual recovery process" they claim to be undertaking.
During the broadcast of the official program Hacemos Cuba this Wednesday, the regime's spokesperson, Humberto López, condemned the sale of ETECSA credits by Cuban citizens, a practice he described as “unacceptable” and which, according to the authorities, will be prosecuted criminally.
In the television space, López displayed social media posts from people offering mobile balance as part of schemes that, he claimed, "rapidly mutate" after the implementation of new economic measures.
Also in that program, a supposed network dedicated to defrauding ETECSA users was presented. The case, still under investigation, involves a Cuban resident in the United States with connections in several provinces of the country, including Havana, Artemisa, and Holguín.
Although the authorities did not provide details on the number of arrests made, they did report that during home searches in the capital, more than 40 million pesos in national currency were seized, along with a satellite antenna, money counting machines, computers, magnetic cards, phones, and a car.
Additionally, the Cuban regime has intensified its stance against international phone top-ups made outside of ETECSA's official channels, warning that they could be classified as a sabotage offense.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New ETECSA Plans in Cuba
What are the new data plans offered by ETECSA?
ETECSA offers a new 2 GB plan for 1,200 CUP for the general public and a 6 GB plan for 360 CUP exclusively for university students. These plans will take effect on June 20, 2025, and can be purchased through Transfermóvil and the Online Services website.
Why has ETECSA limited recharges in Cuban pesos?
ETECSA has limited the top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP every 30 days as part of a set of measures aimed at "developing and sustaining the telecommunications service network." The company promotes the acquisition of plans in U.S. dollars (USD), which has sparked criticism for excluding those who do not have access to foreign currency.
What alternatives do university students have to access the internet?
University students can acquire a 6 GB plan for 360 CUP and are offered free access to more than 40 educational sites. Additionally, they can combine this plan with another 6 GB package, totaling 12 GB for 720 CUP per month, as long as their mobile lines are registered in their name.
What has been the public's reaction to ETECSA's new rates?
The population has reacted with outrage on social media, labeling the new rates as a "tarifazo" and "an abuse." Many Cubans believe that the imposed rates are prohibitive and exclusionary, especially for those who do not have access to foreign currency, deepening the inequality in access to connectivity.
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