A recent post on social media about the sale of an ETECSA line for 25,000 pesos sparked a huge wave of comments.
Beyond the truthfulness of the announcement, the situation highlights the serious difficulties the population faces in accessing the internet via mobile data, following the price hike implemented by the state-owned company, as well as the scarcity of available lines or SIM cards, –a problem that the regime has been grappling with for years– which has led to their resale at exorbitant prices in the informal market.
The announcement appeared anonymously in early August in the Facebook group "Revolico Bayamo, Granma", where it was offered: “Selling Line. 30 GB of data… 25,000.”
The post received over 6,400 reactions and accumulated nearly 1,500 comments, reflecting the indignation and humor with which users responded to the high price.
Among the responses, ironies were abundant. "With that card, can you also go to the USD stores to shop? Hahaha. You have 25 thousand GB of nonsense in that head," wrote Todohavana Cuba.
Robert León asked sarcastically: “And how much do you give me for mine, which has 60 GB?”
Ayamey Sierra Cabrera joked: “Does that line recharge itself or does it never run out of balance?”, while Bárbaro Maykol Suasnaba responded with a blunt comment: “What the hell is that?”.
Other users compared the price to luxury items or high-value goods. “I’ll trade you for a Mercedes I bought the day before yesterday,” joked Nelson Jean.
“Going to a 5-star hotel in another country is cheaper,” pointed out Onelvis Gutiérrez Misa, also highlighting the issue of the unaffordable hotel prices in Cuba.
There were also criticisms regarding the background of the issue: “Then we talk about blockade, among ourselves we end up destroying each other,” stated Yaneth De Parrondo.
Damian Camejo added: “It can't be true, every time the government implements a new measure, these are the results,” he emphasized, clearly referring to the recent measures by ETECSA.
Indignation reached stronger terms. “JinETECSA is already making profit on the side... disgusting people,” wrote Alina Almanza, referring to the reselling linked to the state-owned company.
Amid jokes, sarcasm, and reproaches, the online discussion revealed the social discontent regarding the high cost of telecommunications services in Cuba and the lack of access to an essential good like mobile lines, which have become a luxury product.
Recently, ETECSA announced a new international recharge promotion that raised the minimum to 600 CUP, which sparked immediate backlash among Cuban users on social media.
According to the information provided by the company on its official page and on Facebook, the offer was valid from August 11 to August 16, granting 25 GB for all networks, plus unlimited data from midnight to 7:00 a.m., valid for 35 days.
To access it, an international top-up between 600 and 1,250 CUP must be received, indicated the publication from the telecommunications monopoly in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sale of ETECSA SIM Cards in Cuba and the Telecommunications Crisis
Why is the sale of ETECSA SIM cards at high prices causing outrage?
The sale of ETECSA SIM cards at high prices, such as a line that was offered for 25,000 pesos, generates indignation because it highlights the serious challenges the population faces in accessing basic telecommunications services in Cuba. This is due to the lack of availability of lines and the implementation of high rates by the state-owned ETECSA, forcing many Cubans to turn to the informal market.
What is the impact of ETECSA's international rates on Cubans?
International rates from ETECSA are seen as exploitative, particularly because they exclude those who do not receive remittances and rely on salaries in Cuban pesos. Promotions that require payments in US dollars are beyond the reach of most Cubans, which exacerbates economic and digital inequality on the island.
What measures has ETECSA taken that have generated criticism in Cuba?
ETECSA has implemented measures such as limiting top-ups in Cuban pesos to a maximum of 360 CUP per month and offering data packages in dollars, which has been perceived as a formalization of the dollarization of mobile service. These actions have provoked a strong negative reaction from the Cuban population, who feel their access to connectivity is restricted.
How has the Cuban population responded to the rates imposed by ETECSA?
The response of the Cuban population has been one of indignation and rejection. Many have called for a boycott of international top-ups and have expressed their discontent through social media and protests, denouncing that ETECSA's measures are a way to restrict access to information and to capture foreign currency.
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