A video shared by Cuban creator @el.profesor.cubano, son of the popular comedian Antolín El Pichón, has sparked a wave of reactions after showing a simple satellite antenna in the street in Murcia, Spain, and reminding viewers that its use is prohibited in Cuba. “Only a Cuban knows there’s an illegality behind me,” he comments ironically while pointing at the antenna. “In Cuba, you have to hide that in places you can’t even imagine, because if they catch you, you could end up in prison.”
In a colloquial tone full of irony, the young man —son of the comedian Antolín El Pichón— explained how, in Cuba, these antennas must be kept hidden due to the regime's ban. “You have to hide that where you wouldn't even imagine,” he said. “There are trackers passing by detecting those antennas, and those who have them run cables to many in the neighborhood... so they can watch foreign television.” His direct criticism of official Cuban television, which he referred to as “the same garbage every day,” has gone viral among emigrants and residents alike.
An underground business that still persists
Although pursued, the use of satellite dishes has not disappeared. According to a report published by 14ymedio in July 2023, clandestine distribution networks remain active in neighborhoods like Centro Habana and Luyanó. Prices have increased due to inflation, reaching up to 1,000 pesos per month, but many Cubans prefer to pay for stable access to international channels, given the difficulties of streaming.
Connections are hidden among fake pipes, rooftops, and patios. Costs include activation cards, electricity, imported cables, and even payments to prevent reports from inspectors or neighbors. "Most of our clients have told us that they will continue with the service, even though it now costs them more," one of the managers shared with the mentioned outlet.
Seizures, prison, and surveillance
The Cuban regime has historically pursued this type of alternative access to information. In an article from CubaEncuentro in 2007, the judicial case of three Cubans was documented, who faced up to three years in prison for manufacturing homemade antennas. Records show that more than 130 meters of coaxial cable and materials to create at least 30 antennas were confiscated from them.
In another report from the same year, it was reported on operations that resulted in the detention of more than a dozen people, the seizure of DirecTV cards, computers, modems, and the warning of possible sentences of up to five years in prison.
In 2009, it was reported that in Cuban airports, 150 antennas had been confiscated in the early months of the year. Some attempted to smuggle them in disguised as decorative objects. The official newspaper Granma justified the crackdown at the time by stating that these signals “contribute nothing to national identity” and encourage “deception and foreign domination.”
A constant in the author's narrative
@el.profesor.cubano has gained recognition for his posts where he humorously and critically contrasts life in Spain and Cuba. In June of last year, he shared an emotional post with a video recorded from a supermarket in Murcia, in which he stated: “Here there is food for cats, for dogs… and my country has no bread.” The phrase “Cuba hurts” has become a personal trademark of his content.
In another video, he reflected on the symbolic value of an empty bucket, which he referred to as “ground gold” in reference to the ingenuity needed to survive on the island. “You wash this well and it can be used for everything,” he said in a post that resonated with hundreds of Cuban emigrants.
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