The Cuban Telecommunications Company S.A. (ETECSA) announced this Friday the requirements to obtain the new commercial offers exclusive for university students.
In a social media post on Friday afternoon, the communications monopoly in Cuba specified that, to acquire the 6 GB plan for 360 CUP for students, one must be of legal age (18 years), be approved by the institution where they study, and be the holder of a mobile line.
According to their notes, if the mobile line is not registered in your name, you will need to carry out a "Change of Ownership or Assignment" at the student center or at ETECSA's commercial offices.
For those procedures, they pointed out, in the case of a change of ownership, one must present the identity card and a photo or letter from the owner of the mobile line.
For the allocation, five contact numbers must be listed that the user frequently communicates with.
This Thursday, the company had announced that starting June 20, two offers would come into effect: a 2 GB data plan for 1,200 CUP for the general public and another 6 GB plan for 360 CUP exclusive to university students.
According to executives from the state-owned company during an exchange with the press, the new proposals are the result of the criticism –rather protests– received after the implementation of their previous commercial measures.
ETECSA defended its position by stating that it has made "the utmost possible effort" to provide a more affordable option given the current conditions in the country.
He also reported that he is working with universities to update the ownership of the lines that many students have been using since they were minors, when they were under the name of their parents or other family members.
Executives indicated that solutions are being sought for other social sectors with connectivity demands, but warned that any new decisions must be carefully evaluated, as, according to ETECSA, “it cannot compromise the gradual recovery process” that they claim to be undertaking.
The rate hike
The new exclusive offer for students comes in response to the criticisms directed at the company for limiting 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 population has reacted with outrage on social media, labeling the measures as a "rate hike" and “an abuse.”
Numerous Cubans believe that the imposed rates are prohibitive and exclusive, especially for those without access to foreign currency, deepening the inequality in access to connectivity.
In response to the protests, ETECSA designed another plan that offers 2 GB of data for 1,200 Cuban pesos and can be purchased once a month with a validity of 35 days.
Despite the offer, many Cubans expressed their outrage on social media, where the announcement was widely criticized. Among the most repeated comments was the complaint about the limited amount of data provided and the high cost in national currency, in a context where the average salary in Cuba barely exceeds 4,000 CUP.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's New Data Plans
What are the requirements for students to obtain the 6 GB plan from ETECSA?
In order for university students to obtain the 6 GB plan for 360 CUP, they must be of legal age, be approved by their educational institution, and be the holders of the mobile line. If they are not the holders, they must carry out a change of ownership at their student center or at ETECSA offices.
What data plans does ETECSA offer to the general public and what are their costs?
ETECSA offers a 2 GB data plan for 1,200 CUP to the general public, which can be purchased once a month and is valid for 35 days. This is part of ETECSA's response to criticism regarding the high prices of its services.
Why has ETECSA implemented these new fees and limitations on top-ups?
ETECSA justifies these measures as necessary to sustain and develop the telecommunications network in Cuba. However, these restrictions have been widely criticized by the public, who consider them unjust and exclusionary, especially for those without access to foreign currency.
What impact have the new ETECSA rates had on the Cuban population?
The new tariffs from ETECSA have generated widespread rejection among the population, who view these measures as a "tarifazo" that deepens inequality in internet access. Many Cubans believe these tariffs are prohibitive and exclusive, particularly affecting those who do not have access to foreign currency.
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