Repeated acts of sabotage against ETECSA radio bases in Santiago de Cuba have been reported on social media by an employee of the company, who warned about disruptions to internet and mobile phone services, as well as the lack of effective actions against those responsible.
In a post, Luis Enrique Torres Almarales reported that in the town of San Vicente, near the National Highway, the equipment of a radio base that was set to start operating this week was destroyed.
According to the details provided, the authors attempted to steal battery banks and, when they couldn't find them, stole rectifiers and damaged the power wiring.
The worker pointed out that the facility was a high-value imported equipment that was difficult to replace immediately, which will force resources allocated for other projects to be redirected.
He expressed regret that these actions "destroy what has taken so much sacrifice and hard work" and described them as "intentional sabotage" aimed at harming the economy and society from within.
Torres Almarales stated that these are not isolated incidents: the radio base in the José Martí district has been sabotaged six times, and the Antonio Maceo Sports Complex in the Sueño neighborhood five times, including cuts to fiber optics and power cables.
In their opinion, those responsible act with impunity and should face exemplary sanctions.
The whistleblower urged the police authorities, the government, and the public to engage in the protection of telecommunications as a common good.
He also called for increased surveillance and patrolling, reminding that ETECSA workers are not security guards and that their role is to ensure the functioning of the networks, not to prevent thefts.
In Santiago de Cuba, vandalism against mobile phone towers has revealed serious vulnerabilities in ETECSA's infrastructure, with systematic thefts of batteries, rectifiers, and essential materials that impact the connectivity of entire communities.
Authorities have warned that these acts will be punished with up to 15 years in prison under the new Penal Code, which classifies these actions as sabotage.
These incidents are not limited to Santiago. In Holguín, there was a reported theft of fuel from an ETECSA generator, an incident that forced the cancellation of an urgent repair at the outdoor facility.
The company publicly reported the case and warned about the growing impact of these actions on the provision of services.
In light of this situation, the regime has intensified its approach against crimes related to telecommunications infrastructure. Frauds against ETECSA are being treated as sabotage due to their potential for destabilization, including technological manipulations, illegal accesses, and resale of services.
This new classification entails harsher penalties and a narrative of internal threat that the government uses as justification for reinforced control over the networks.
The criminal crackdown has also expanded to other strategic sectors. Crimes against trains and energy networks now face harsher penalties as part of a comprehensive policy to protect essential infrastructure.
The government has framed these offenses within a national security discourse, although critical sectors denounce the use of these measures as a smokescreen to conceal the crisis of maintenance and institutional neglect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sabotages to ETECSA Radio Bases in Santiago de Cuba
What recent incidents have affected ETECSA's radio bases in Santiago de Cuba?
The ETECSA radio bases in Santiago de Cuba have suffered repeated sabotage, including equipment destruction, theft of rectifiers, and cable cuts. These acts have severely impacted internet and mobile phone services in the region.
What legal measures are being taken against those responsible for the sabotage of the radio towers?
The authorities have announced that sabotage to telecommunications infrastructure could be penalized with prison sentences ranging from seven to 15 years, according to Article 125 of the new Penal Code. These acts are considered sabotage offenses that threaten the economy and security of the country.
What is the impact of sabotage on telecommunications services in Cuba?
Sabotages cause significant disruptions in telephone and internet services, affecting the daily lives of Cuban citizens who rely on these services for communication and work. Furthermore, they force ETECSA to allocate resources that could be used to expand and enhance the network.
What challenges does ETECSA face in maintaining and improving its telecommunications infrastructure?
ETECSA faces a series of challenges, including a foreign currency deficit for technological investments, external interference from the use of illegal equipment, and acts of vandalism. The company has acknowledged difficulties in continuing with its investment plan, which impacts service quality and its ability to modernize the existing infrastructure.
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