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The solutions proposed by the regime in response to the electricity crisis in Cuba are becoming increasingly bizarre: Now, in the face of the telecommunications collapse, they recommend that the population change their phone settings to 2G only in an attempt to maintain communication and use the payment platform Transfermóvil.
According to the state-run newspaper Sierra Maestra, on its Facebook profile, most of ETECSA's radio bases lack energy backup and shut down during blackouts.
The few that are still functioning are overwhelmed by high demand, leaving a large part of the population without access to calls, messages, or the internet.
The collapse also affects Transfermóvil, a key tool for transactions in a country with cash shortages.
Many users have reported the error message "Connection Error or Incorrect MMI," which is preventing the use of the service.
As a temporary measure –according to them– Cubans are urged to change the settings on their devices and connect only to the 2G network, which, although more stable under these circumstances, does not allow internet access.
As the energy crisis worsens, authorities continue to offer Band-Aid solutions that, rather than addressing the problem, highlight the deterioration of the country’s infrastructure.
In the comments section, users questioned the management of the monopoly of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA) – the only one in the country – which, despite charging in dollars for international top-ups, always justifies its inefficiency by citing a lack of funds.
Eduardo Mariño del Pino stated: “Does ETECSA not have money? Provide information on how many top-ups it receives every month, not just from abroad but all of them. The math is straightforward.”
“And they also talked about wanting to raise internet service rates. With the poor service that already existed. With the blackouts, it's even worse,” stated Rafael Guzmán.
Raúl J Aguilar Ricardo emphasized: “And proving that ‘Yes, it can be done?’. The only thing they can come up with is to go backwards. Because suggesting the implementation of 2G is simply a step back to the 90s. Or could it be that they want to 'get the people used to' not having access to the Internet? Just something to think about.”
Mariano Arturo Ochoa Poveda added: “Please, get informed correctly. 2G does allow internet usage. Due to its speed, it is more suitable for text messaging. Transfermóvil does not require internet to make the payment, but the store does need it to confirm, from the Bulevar platform, that the payment has been made correctly.”
He also criticized: “When it comes to banking, it only 'turns' towards the bank. But training should cover various areas, including the press.”
Finally, Gisela Mancebo Guerra noted: “Many of us have lost the package that is purchased and expires in a month due to this connection issue, which is money, and in the end they don't even extend the duration or replace what was lost. In the end, it feels like we always come out at a loss despite the payment. The connection and service of ETECSA are inadequate.”
Despite the debacle the country is experiencing in terms of energy, which is reflected in telecommunications, last December the regime announced that internet rates will increase starting in 2025 and new packages and services will be introduced in foreign currency.
This was announced by the Cuban regime's Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, during a speech before the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) held in Havana.
In January, the ETECSA monopoly confirmed that it has designed a plan to implement service charges in foreign currency.
At a press conference, Tania Velázquez, the executive president of the entity, revealed that foreign currency revenues account for only 10% of total income. Despite this, prices have remained stable, which forces the company to maintain its network and pay its international debts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Telecommunications and Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why is it recommended to use only 2G in Cuba?
Due to the collapse of telecommunications in Cuba caused by the electricity crisis, the population is advised to change their phone settings to only 2G. The 2G network, although slower, is more stable under these circumstances and allows for basic communication, although it does not provide internet access. This measure has been suggested because many ETECSA radio bases lack energy backup and shut down during blackouts, overwhelming the few that remain operational.
What impact does the electrical crisis have on services like Transfermóvil?
The electricity crisis in Cuba has significantly impacted services like Transfermóvil, a key platform for financial transactions in a country with cash shortages. The collapse of telecommunications prevents many users from making payments, as the service requires a stable connection to function properly. This has increased frustration among the population, who rely on these services for their daily transactions.
How is the energy crisis affecting telecommunications in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has caused a collapse in telecommunications, as many ETECSA radio bases shut down during power outages due to a lack of energy backup. This leaves a large portion of the population without access to calls, messages, or the internet. The few radio bases that remain operational quickly become overloaded due to high demand, exacerbating the communication situation across the country.
What criticisms has ETECSA received for its management during the crisis?
ETECSA, the telecommunications monopoly in Cuba, has faced criticism for its management during the energy crisis. Users question the lack of investment in infrastructure and the company's justification regarding the lack of funds, despite charging in dollars for international top-ups. Additionally, the proposal to increase internet rates has been met with widespread rejection from the population.
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