More than 45,000 students in Cuba have activated their mobile lines to access ETECSA's so-called sectoral plan, according to information released this week by the state telecommunications company through its social media.
“The mobile lines of more than 45,000 students have been activated to purchase their sector plan,” ETECSA published on X.
The company also indicated that the awarding process is "essential" to continue bringing more young people into the program, which many have described as a measure to silence students, the sector that reacted the most to the rate hike imposed by the telecommunications monopoly in Cuba.
The process, which primarily takes place at university centers, requires that students be of legal age, be approved by their institution, and hold a mobile line.
For those who do not have the line registered in their name, a mechanism for assignment or transfer of ownership has been established, which can be processed at the universities themselves or at commercial offices.
After the widespread rejection of the new rates imposed by ETECSA since May 30, the state-owned company is trying to quell the criticism, especially among university students, with measures recently announced on the official program Mesa Redonda.
The president of ETECSA, Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, announced that, as part of a strategy aimed at specific groups, university students will have the opportunity to purchase a second mobile data package of 6 GB, in addition to the one they can already buy with the 360 CUP allocated monthly.
In total, this group will have access to 12 GB per month for a cost of 720 CUP, a figure that still remains high for many, considering the low income of students and families.
In another post, ETECSA stated that its executives are present at universities to facilitate the process, presented as an action in response to the “exchange with young people.”
Although the plan aims to provide "ease" of access to the internet, many users criticize that it does not address the underlying issue: the high cost of mobile services in a country where connectivity remains a privilege.
Following the announcement of the rate hike by ETECSA in May 2025, university students from various faculties in Cuba began to express their dissatisfaction with the new internet access conditions.
One of the first organized responses emerged at CUJAE, where a group of students demanded that the company provide real and more inclusive alternatives for accessing mobile data, arguing that the plans were unsustainable for the university community.
The requests included everything from differentiated packages to subsidy mechanisms tailored to the economic reality of the youth. The students publicly called on the state-owned company during an assembly that marked the beginning of a national response.
Shortly after, dissatisfaction spread to other institutions, such as the University of Havana. In the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, students argued that the proposed solutions were not viable, pointing out that the authorities did not consult with them before implementing the new model.
In their arguments, they advocated for the right to fair connectivity and proposed a series of measures to offset the high costs of the service.
In the same atmosphere of discontent, tensions increased at the Faculty of Humanities, where students even demanded the resignation of the president of the FEU, whom they accused of failing to adequately represent the interests of the student community.
This action highlighted a break in the legitimacy of traditional channels of representation, paving the way for new forms of internal organization within universities.
The growing pressure led to more organized mobilization attempts, such as an academic strike driven once again by the Mathematics department, although ultimately the action was called off by the students themselves following internal negotiations.
Despite the strike not materializing, this episode reinforced the collective message of discontent, demonstrating the willingness of young people to defend their rights through direct actions.
The process continued with a meeting between the national FEU and ETECSA, where 40 concrete proposals were presented by the students.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Sectoral Plan for Students
How many students have activated their lines for ETECSA's sectoral plan?
More than 45 thousand students in Cuba have activated their mobile lines to access ETECSA's sectoral plan. This process is mainly carried out at universities and is necessary for students to purchase the exclusive data plan for them.
What are the requirements for students to access ETECSA's data plan?
To access the 6 GB plan for 360 CUP, students must be of legal age, approved by their educational institution, and be the holders of the mobile line. If the line is not in their name, they must carry out a "Transfer of Ownership or Assignment" at their university or at ETECSA offices.
What measures has ETECSA taken in response to criticism regarding its rates?
ETECSA has introduced a new sectorial plan for university students, allowing them to acquire a second mobile data package of 6 GB, in addition to what they can already purchase with the 360 CUP allocated monthly. However, these measures have not quelled the criticisms due to the high cost of services.
What is the total cost of the data plan for university students in Cuba?
The total cost of the data plan for students is 720 CUP per month, which includes two packages of 6 GB each. This is still high for many students due to low incomes in Cuba.
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