Cuban customs authorities at the "José Martí" International Airport in Havana, as part of a crackdown on antennas and signal repeaters that Cubans are using to access the internet through alternative means.
Wiliam Pérez González, Deputy Chief of the General Customs of Cuba, announced this Thursday on the social network X that the entry of the equipment was intended to be done "illegally" and the number of routers indicated that there were intentions to introduce them into the country for commercial purposes.
Hello, it continued, violating "the current regulations and norms": "These amounts reveal intentions of illegality".
Without offering further details, the official explained that those involved were given "the measures provided for these cases."
This week, the General Customs of the Republic also thwarted the attempt to introduce 20 Starlink satellite devices through the José Martí International Airport in Havana. According to Pérez González, the devices arrived on a flight from the United States.
Although no details have been provided about the individuals behind the attempt or the intended destination of the satellite equipment, authorities have threatened to impose sanctions.
Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by the American company SpaceX, allows its users to connect from remote areas without relying on traditional ground infrastructure.
In the case of Cuba, its potential represents a way to bypass the connection controlled exclusively by ETECSA, which has sparked the regime's rejection, as it maintains strict restrictions on free and uncensored access to the internet.
The Cuban regime warned this Wednesday about the illegal use of internet antennas, repeaters, and even the dreaded Starlink, which threatens ETECSA's monopoly on the island.
The Cuban regime argues that the use of Starlink and other non-certified devices i interferes with the signal of radio bases, affecting the quality of telephone and mobile network services in the country, though this stance also reflects political and economic control interests.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seizure of Routers and Starlink Equipment in Cuba
Why did the Cuban Customs seize 85 routers at Havana airport?
The Customs of Cuba seized 85 routers at the Havana airport because there was an attempt to introduce them illegally for commercialization. Cuban authorities believe this violates the current regulations in the country, and measures were taken to prevent their entry.
What is Starlink and why is it a problem for the Cuban regime?
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX that allows users to connect to the internet from remote areas without relying on terrestrial infrastructure. For the Cuban regime, it poses a threat because it allows evasion of ETECSA's state control over internet connectivity, which could facilitate access to uncensored information.
What actions has the Cuban government taken against the importation of Starlink equipment?
The Cuban government has warned that the importation and use of Starlink equipment without authorization is illegal and punishable. They have thwarted attempts to introduce these devices into the country and have strengthened customs controls to prevent their entry.
How does the use of unapproved equipment affect the quality of telecommunications services in Cuba?
According to the Cuban regime, the use of unapproved equipment interferes with the signals from the radio bases, which affects the quality of telephone and mobile network services in the country. This is one of the technical justifications that the government uses to prohibit these devices, although it also relates to political control interests.
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