Transmitters in Matanzas are operating below the required power, affecting radio and TV signals

The Territorial Division of Radiocuba in Matanzas acknowledges ongoing issues in radio and television transmission, attributing them to a shortage of raw materials. Both the digital and analog signals are operating below capacity, affecting the entire province.

The state-owned company assures that the radio and TV signals are deteriorating due to a lack of spare partsPhoto © Radiocuba Division Matanzas

The Territorial Division of the state-owned company Radiocuba in Matanzas publicly acknowledged the ongoing issues with the radio and television signal received by the population, due to a lack of necessary raw materials to repair the equipment.

In a communication released on July 4 on its official Facebook profile, the company confirmed that the transmitters, both for digital and analog TV, are not operating at the required power.

Facebook Capture/Radiocuba Division Matanzas

The problem equally affects digital signals, which are more modern, as well as analog television, still used by many citizens. It also impacts radio. Radiocuba points out that the main cause of the deterioration is the lack of material resources, without detailing timelines or upcoming technical solutions.

Despite the seriousness of the decline, the organization focused part of its message on highlighting the work of its employees, including tower operators, technicians, and administrative staff, whom it described as serious and responsible.

He insisted that, within the current limitations, every effort is being made to maintain the service.

Capture from Facebook/Radio Unión Matanzas

On the same day, the municipal station Radio Unión, from the municipality of Unión de Reyes, informed its audience that it was resuming its broadcast signal after "a technical interruption caused by an electrical discharge that severely affected its transmission equipment."

Weeks ago, a failure in the generator group at the Telecommunication Center of Majayar left the city of Baracoa in Guantánamo without mobile phone service, television signal, or radio.

In mid-August 2024, several locations in the country reported issues with the analog television signal and the standard digital signal. The 59-minute outage was caused by malfunctions in the operation of a technical piece of equipment associated with the transmission process, the company Radiocuba explained at that time.

In July 2023, the authorities of the island announced to the deputies of the National Assembly of People's Power that Cuba would shut down analog television nationwide in 2026.

The Electric Company of Matanzas announced the implementation of various measures to mitigate blackouts, amid the energy crisis affecting the island, which negatively impacts multiple services, including radio, television, and mobile data transmissions.

In the Yumurino territory, blackouts of up to 32 consecutive hours have been reported, which has caused discomfort and protests among the citizens.

Frequently asked questions about radio and TV signal outages in Cuba

Why are there issues with the radio and television signal in Matanzas?

The failures in radio and television signals in Matanzas are caused by the lack of necessary raw materials to repair the transmitters. According to the state company Radiocuba, the transmitters are not operating at the required power due to this shortage of resources. The situation affects both digital and analog signals, impacting the quality of the service received by the population.

What impact does the energy crisis have on radio and TV transmissions in Cuba?

The energy crisis in Cuba has caused power outages that affect radio and television broadcasts. The power cuts, which can last for up to 32 consecutive hours, limit the dissemination of programming in several provinces. Additionally, the lack of generators in many transmission centers exacerbates the situation, making it even more challenging to maintain service continuity.

How does the lack of spare parts affect television reception in Cuba?

The lack of spare parts hinders the repair of transmitters, affecting the quality of television signal in Cuba. This shortage is especially critical for obsolete equipment still in use, and without the necessary components, it is impossible to recover the power and nominal parameters of the transmitters. This negatively impacts signal reception, particularly in rural areas.

What has ETECSA declared about the situation of telecommunications in Cuba?

ETECSA has acknowledged that it does not have foreign currency to maintain the pace of technological investments. This situation has resulted in an increasingly congested, slow, and unstable telecommunications network. The lack of financial resources impacts both landline services and mobile and internet services, complicating the modernization of an already outdated infrastructure.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.