ETECSA –the only telecommunications company in Cuba– announced a new international recharge promotion this Wednesday, raising the minimum to 600 CUP, which immediately sparked backlash among Cuban users on social media.
According to the company’s official page and on Facebook, the offer will be valid from August 11 to August 16 and provides 25 GB for all networks, plus unlimited data between midnight and 7:00 a.m., valid for 35 days.
To access it, an international recharge between 600 and 1,250 CUP must be received, indicated the publication from the telecommunications monopoly in Cuba.
The measure triggered a torrent of criticism. “The top-ups increased. Wasn't it supposed to be from 500 CUP?”, wrote Ernesto Almaguer Díaz, while Yasmanis Vázquez Rodríguez described the decision as "a mockery of the people."
Mini Forever mocked: “What summer? ... They couldn't be more cynical.” For her part, Mily Rodríguez questioned: “They've already changed it to 600, is that for real?”, and Yisel Piñero lamented: “On top of raising it to 600, they don't even display it in the main balance.”
Complaints were reiterated regarding the poor service, low quality of the connection, and the effects of power outages.
“What's the point of a promotion if I spend more hours without power than the Indians,” wrote Odlanier Ruiz Montes, while Gizeh Subirós Carbonell reported that despite receiving a recharge with unlimited data, she has not been able to connect since then.
Luis Enrique Fernández Palmero harshly criticized the company: "But what shameless people they are. How far do they think they will go stealing from and mistreating the people they should serve as a 'socialist company'?"
“ You are all cynics,” stated Gisela Gómez Rosales, while Eros Alejandro Martínez Rodríguez suggested that ETECSA should receive a "Guinness Award for being the company that generates the most discontent and negative comments among its customers.”
Despite constant complaints from users about high prices and poor service quality, ETECSA continues to change its offers without showing visible improvements in its infrastructure or network stability.
ETECSA has been at the center of controversy in recent months following a series of measures that have increased the prices of its services and reduced options for users.
Recently, it was revealed that the company had raised over 24 million dollars in just 46 days due to the increase in the minimum for international top-ups, a decision that caused unease among Cubans both inside and outside the country.
Meanwhile, ETECSA has tried to justify its high rates by claiming millions in losses caused by fraud in top-ups and even presented as an achievement the dismantling of an illegal network in Cuba that was operating with national balance through external platforms.
The official discourse, however, has been questioned by independent analysts, who point out that it is a concealing narrative of the progressive dollarization of the service and the political use of telecommunications.
Moreover, the company itself revealed a significant drop in mobile line revenues, decreasing from $133 annually in 2018 to just $31 in 2024, highlighting a loss of competitiveness that has not resulted in real improvements for users.
Despite the figures, the destination of those funds has not been clearly explained, nor have there been visible investments in infrastructure or service quality.
Users have expressed their outrage at what they consider an abusive and exclusionary policy. Measures such as the limitation on national top-ups to 360 CUP every 30 days, as well as the fact that international top-ups utilize an artificial exchange rate for the dollar lower than 25 Cuban pesos, have been interpreted as a strategy to force the sending of remittances in foreign currencies.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Recent Measures in Cuba
What is the new ETECSA recharge promotion and why has it caused outrage?
The new promotion from ETECSA raises the minimum top-up to 600 CUP, offering 25 GB and unlimited data during nighttime hours. This measure has met with disapproval among Cubans due to the increased cost and the perception that the company does not improve service quality despite the constant changes in its offerings.
How do the new measures from ETECSA affect Cubans who do not receive remittances?
The new measures by ETECSA deepen economic inequality in Cuba, as many Cubans do not have access to foreign currency to purchase data plans in dollars, which are now the predominant option. The limitation of top-ups in CUP to 360 monthly excludes those who do not receive remittances, reducing their ability to connect to the internet.
Why is ETECSA accused of emotional manipulation with its promotions?
ETECSA has been accused of emotional manipulation because its promotions often coincide with significant dates, such as Father's Day, to encourage emigrants to top up from abroad at high prices. This is seen as emotional blackmail that exploits family ties to generate foreign currency income.
What impact does the dollarization of mobile services have in Cuba?
The dollarization of mobile services in Cuba creates an economic barrier that excludes those who do not have access to dollars, deepening the digital and social divide. High prices in foreign currency and limitations in CUP make it difficult to access a service that should be essential and equitable for all citizens.
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