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The state monopoly on communications ETECSA will enable several free channels for information sabout Hurricane Melissa.
According to the information released this Monday, the following services have been enabled in anticipation of the imminent impact of the powerful hurricane on the eastern part of the island:
- Users will have free access (without consuming mobile data) to the websites of the Institute of Meteorology (www.insmet.cu) and the Radio Rebelde station (www.radiorebelde.cu), as well as, once downloaded and installed, to the Cubadebate mobile application.
- By dialing 800 73565, the public can listen to Radio Reloj in real time, while Radio Rebelde will be available at 800 77232; in both cases, access can be made from mobile and landline phones at no cost.
- By dialing 188 99 from landline phones, users will be able to listen to the provincial station corresponding to their area at no cost.
- Mobile network users will be able to send a free SMS to 2266 with the word HURACAN and will receive information, via the same channel, about the location and other details of the weather phenomenon.
ETECSA also reminded that "by using the national browsing bonus, users have the possibility to access other national websites (.cu) that help them stay updated."
He also stated that his workers are "working on the protection of resources and means to mitigate the impact on infrastructure and telecommunications services in the possible areas that may be affected."
ETECSA has initiated the dismantling of public phones and Wi-Fi connection systems, pruning of trees that may affect the telephone lines, and the inspection of generator sets, among other preventive measures.
"As is customary in situations of this nature, telecommunications services are ensured for the Defense Councils, as well as for surveillance and monitoring centers, including meteorology and hydraulic resources," they added.
Request for free internet in the emergency
The measures of ETECSA, however, are far from the request of the citizens to either reduce or temporarily suspend its internet fees during the emergency caused by the hurricane Melissa, which went viral on social media this Friday, after several journalists and users complained that the high prices, constant blackouts, and connection issues prevent Cubans from staying informed about the evolution of the dangerous tropical system.
The Cuban journalist Mario J. Pentón, from Miami, published a message on Facebook that quickly garnered thousands of reactions and shares: “The regime should lower ETECSA's rates so that the people can learn about Melissa,” he wrote, reflecting a concern shared by thousands of Cubans both inside and outside the island.
His message was supported by the Santiago communicator Cuscó Tarradell, who also criticized the lack of sensitivity from the state-owned company in light of the threat posed by a meteorological phenomenon that could strike the country as a major hurricane in the middle of next week.
"Why doesn't ETECSA implement a special promotion for the purchase of mobile data in CUP that would allow Cubans to stay informed, especially when the power service limitations affect so many communities?" questioned Tarradell in his post, which was widely shared by users, colleagues, and government officials on social media.
The journalist added that, amidst power outages and limited access to official information, social media has become the main civic tool for prevention and security. “In this internet era, marked by blackouts and haste in our archipelago, no one walks around with a television in hand or a radio turned on all the time. Social media, when backed by reliable sources, is an essential tool for preserving life and reducing vulnerabilities to meteorological phenomena,” he emphasized.
Thousands of users joined the petition, recalling that, following the recent "tariff hike" implemented by ETECSA on mobile data services, many families cannot afford internet packages, especially amidst an economic and energy crisis that keeps much of the country in darkness for hours.
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