ETECSA launches new plan for 1,200 pesos in response to public discontent

The Cuban Telecommunications Company S.A. (ETECSA) announced this Friday a new mobile data plan of 2 GB for 1,200 Cuban pesos, available starting June 20, which seems to be a direct response to the growing criticism from citizens over the high prices of mobile internet service on the island.

The new "Additional Plan" can be purchased once a month, with a validity of 35 days, through the Transfermóvil and Online Services platforms.

According to the official statement from ETECSA, this package adds to the existing data resources on the user's line and extends its useful life cycle.

ETECSA announced the measure as a response to public demands

"The new commercial offer took into account the criteria issued by various sectors of the population, where the request for a plan with a price lower than that of the EXTRA Data plans prevailed," the statement indicated.

The state-owned company also acknowledged that the new plan may be insufficient for some users, but assured that "under the current conditions, it is the solution that can be offered to increase the level of connectivity for customers."

Additionally, he recalled that a specific plan for university students is underway, called the “Sectorial Plan,” which will appear in the purchasing menus once the data validation process with the universities is complete. Beneficiaries will be notified via SMS.

The networks explode: "1,200 CUP for 2 GB is an abuse"

Despite the offer, many Cubans expressed their outrage on social media, where the announcement was widely criticized. Among the most frequently mentioned comments was the complaint about the limited data offered and the high cost in national currency, in a context where the average salary in Cuba barely exceeds 4,000 CUP.

"With 2 GB for 1,200 CUP, I believe they are not considering the working people who do not have access to MLC or dollars. The fact that there is only one telecommunications service provider in Cuba is terrible, neither socialist nor humane, but a neoliberal bundle," wrote a user on X.

Others were harsher: “1,200 CUP for just 2 GB is an insult. How long are we going to keep tolerating them mocking us in our faces? We are Cubans, let's summon the courage of our ancestors and not allow them to laugh at us anymore. Homeland and Life!”

"What are 2 GB in 2025? Well, nothing, it disappears after just two visits to YouTube or Instagram. On top of that, they charge you 1,200 pesos for it," lamented another person. Some also recalled that connectivity issues are worsened by the frequent power outages in the country.

More restrictions in CUP, more data in dollars

The presentation of this new plan comes weeks after ETECSA announced a set of commercial measures that further deepen the dollarization of mobile phone services in Cuba.

Since May 30, users can only recharge their main balance in CUP up to a limit of 360 pesos every 30 days. At the same time, most data plans must be purchased in United States dollars (USD), through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet.

As options in Cuban pesos diminish or become more expensive, ETECSA promotes plans in dollars such as:

• 4 GB for 10 USD
• 8 GB + 75 MIN + 80 SMS for 20 USD
• 16 GB for 35 USD

Although the company maintains some plans in CUP (such as 3 GB for 3,360 CUP and 15 GB for 11,760 CUP), these are prohibitively expensive for most Cubans, whose incomes do not suffice to cover such prices, especially in the absence of remittances or access to foreign currencies.

ETECSA claims to be "working hand in hand with the people" to overcome current challenges, but many Cubans believe that the state-owned company has lost touch with the economic reality of the majority of the population.

Frequently Asked Questions about the new ETECSA plan and the dollarization of the service