A worker in the cultural sector in the city of Sancti Spíritus publicly reported that she can no longer communicate with her family, after running out of the minimal balance for the mobile service provided by the state-owned and sole Telecommunications Company of Cuba, S.A. (ETECSA).
Sayli Alba Álvarez, a cultural promoter and mother of two children, recounted on her profile on Facebook that she spent the 360 pesos of her basic balance and then purchased an additional 40 minutes, which also ran out.
It wasn’t for leisure: her son studies in the city, she lives on the outskirts, and she needs to call him to know if he arrived, if he went out, if he is okay. She hardly sees her daughter because she works more than 10 hours a day. And with her husband, constant communication allowed her to coordinate the daily life of an average Cuban family.
"On top of that, add the number of people I communicate with from all over the country due to my work in cultural promotion. All of that is bad. I can't do it anymore. Does anyone know what to do? Is there any other way besides paying 3000 pesos?" Álvarez asked.
In his complaint, he emphasized a resounding truth: communication is neither a favor nor a privilege. It is an inalienable right of every human being.
"I don't want ETECSA to pay me anything, nor anyone else; I want to cover my communication and data expenses myself. To support my costs, I work. I do my part and more than what's expected of me, so do your part as well because I need to communicate with my children, and that is not a favor, it is a human right," she wrote.
What this mother from Sancti Spiritus is expressing is not an isolated complaint. It is the voice of thousands of Cubans who work, produce, and still cannot maintain something as basic as constant communication with their loved ones.
The new tariff scheme from ETECSA announced at the end of May, reminiscent of the neoliberal packages frequently criticized by the Cuban regime, has been deemed abusive and discriminatory by the vast majority of the Cuban population and described as "armed robbery."
When the meager package allowed for browsing in a month (only 6 GB) is exhausted, the customer relies on top-ups for plans at very high prices in CUP and foreign currency, far beyond the reach of most citizens who receive their salaries in a heavily devalued Cuban peso amidst a context of rampant inflation.
In light of a measure regarded not only as an act of social exclusion but also as a form of economic blackmail, many dignified Cubans have decided to refuse any transfers from abroad.
After the widespread public backlash, ETECSA attempted to quell the criticism with new measures announced on the government program Mesa Redonda on the night of Monday, June 2, offering 12 GB for 720 CUP and free access to educational sites for university students.
This Thursday, the telecommunications monopoly in Cuba announced two new commercial offers effective June 20: a data plan of 2 GB for 1,200 CUP for the general public and another plan of 6 GB for 360 CUP exclusive for university students.
To acquire the 6 GB plan for 360 CUP for students, one must be of legal age (18 years old), be approved by the institution where they study, and be the holder of the mobile line, the entity specified.
The rates defended by the government are deemed exclusive and contrary to the socialist ideal, in addition to impacting access to the internet and the ability to engage in academic and research activities, among others.
The president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez, stated that over the last four years, the entity lost 60% of its revenue due to fraud in foreign recharges, one of the justifications put forth to enact the recent price hike and move towards the dollarization of the service, while its potential customers are paid in Cuban pesos.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ETECSA Rate Increase in Cuba
Why has ETECSA's new rate hike caused so much discontent in Cuba?
The new rate increase by ETECSA has been described as abusive and discriminatory because it imposes prices that exceed the average monthly salary of Cubans, limiting internet access for those who do not have foreign currency. The measure excludes millions of Cubans who cannot afford the high prices of data packages, which are seen as a form of economic blackmail.
What alternatives does ETECSA offer for university students in Cuba?
ETECSA has launched a 6 GB plan for 360 CUP exclusively for university students, which requires beneficiaries to be of legal age, approved by their educational institution, and to hold a mobile line. This plan aims to facilitate internet access for students, although it remains limited compared to current academic needs.
How does the dollarization of ETECSA services affect the Cuban population?
The dollarization of ETECSA's services deepens the social and economic divide in Cuba, as only those who receive remittances or have access to foreign currency can afford data packages priced in dollars. This turns internet access into a class privilege, leaving many Cubans without the opportunity to connect to the digital world.
What justifications has ETECSA provided for the rate increase?
ETECSA has justified the increase in rates by citing the need to sustain and develop the telecommunications network in Cuba, as well as to ensure cybersecurity and the quality of services. However, these justifications have not alleviated social discontent, as many believe that the quality of the service does not match the high costs imposed.
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