The government assures that communications in the province of Granma have been restored

The state channel CNC TV Granma reported this Thursday that communications in the province have been "restored" after the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

In another publication, accompanied by photographs of ETECSA technicians performing repair work on the communication networks, it was stated that the coastal and mountainous areas were once again connected to the rest of the country.

However, some users on social media contradicted that version. Comments on the post itself claimed that in municipalities like Bartolomé Masó, Jiguaní, Buey Arriba, Guisa, Niquero, Cauto Cristo, and Manzanillo, there was still no communication or electricity. Some reported intermittent connection in areas like Pilón, Yara, Las Mercedes, or Media Luna, but they agreed that the lack of power prevents them from staying in touch with their family members. “That's a lie, I'm trying to call my family and I haven't been able to,” wrote one user, while another added: “There's no electricity, I can't charge my phone.”

According to a news release published by ETECSA on October 30, the state telecommunications company acknowledged that the lack of electricity continues to impact the operation of radio bases and cabinets in the eastern region. The statement confirmed the reconnection with Yara, Campechuela, Pilón, Niquero, Bartolomé Masó, and Media Luna, but clarified that diagnostic and repair work is still underway in several areas. It also specified that specialized teams from various provinces have been dispatched to eastern Cuba to assist with recovery efforts.

The passage of Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage to the telecommunications infrastructure in the eastern part of the country. More than 40% of landline services and up to 88% of radio bases remain out of service in provinces such as Granma, Santiago, Holguín, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas, according to data from the Ministry of Communications. Minister Mayra Arevich Marín explained that the lack of electricity is the main obstacle to restoring services and that the fiber optic lines connecting the eastern municipalities suffered significant cuts, especially between Manzanillo, Yara, Campechuela, Media Luna, and Pilón, in addition to another in Buey Arriba, which has already been repaired.

Despite the optimistic tone of the state report, the situation described by users reflects an unequal and still precarious scenario. Numerous comments question the truthfulness of the announcement and point out that many localities continue to be without coverage or electricity. "Don’t tell lies. In Masó, Jiguaní, and Cauto Cristo, there is no signal or power," wrote a visibly upset user. Meanwhile, technical crews remain deployed in the eastern region, but the full restoration of communications and electricity still does not have a confirmed date.