The recent decision by ETECSA to limit top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) to 360 per month and to offer mobile data plans exclusively in United States dollars (USD) has sparked a wave of outrage among Cuban users.
Users on social media have expressed their frustration over what they consider a massive exclusion of millions of citizens who do not have access to foreign currency.
A young woman compared the mobile data situation to the shortage of bread in stores. "Even if you want more, you only get one a month. And this time, there's nowhere else to buy bread. Because ETECSA is the only provider."
He coincided with another Cuban from Houston, who ironically wrote: "Mobile data through the ration book."
From exile, the outrage is also palpable. A Cuban in Spain expressed his discontent by saying that ETECSA "hits hard, without anesthesia, without warning, and much worse than predicted."
Another person compared the management of the Cuban company to those in the United States: "In a world where companies compete to offer the cheapest unlimited plan, ETECSA comes in with a maximum of 6.5 GB per month..."
This feeling of betrayal is common among those who, from abroad, have tried to support their families in Cuba through top-ups and remittances.
The measure is another step in the dollarization of the Cuban economy, where essential services, such as internet access, are becoming privileges for those who receive remittances or have access to dollars.
"The only thing they are doing is creating a greater divide within Cuban society; the new wealthy are those with family abroad or the few who have access to USD," said a woman from Havana.
In addition to criticism regarding economic exclusion, users also point to a lack of transparency and poor management by ETECSA.
An electronics technician recalled unfulfilled promises from the government and pointed out that, despite the substantial remittances from abroad, there has been no significant improvement in the country's telecommunications infrastructure.
"When they were collecting millions of dollars from top-ups from abroad, they didn't invest in anything. There was no improvement. Not in mobile phone services, nor in landlines, nor in anything," he stated.
ETECSA's official justification for these new restrictions is the need to "sustain and develop the network." However, many view this excuse as a mockery, as service deficiencies, data outages, and exorbitant prices have been ongoing for years.
"What needs to be done is to improve the antenna service, which is terrible, invest in antennas that work with renewable energy, so that when there is no electricity, at least there can be Internet service," demanded a resident of Havana.
From now on, while the top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) are limited, the main data plans will need to be purchased in US dollars (USD) using international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet.
The measure has been described by many as a legalized scam and a direct attack on the Cuban people.
"This is the same as the sale of cars in dollars to invest in public transportation and the stores in MLC for CUP, and in the end, nothing," remarked a resident of Havana.
"It's already a lack of respect that they limit how I can spend my money, but on top of that, what used to cost me 500 CUP now requires me to pay over 6000. What's wrong with these people?" questioned a young woman.
"Every day they excel more at making our lives difficult," expressed a flutist, reflecting the widespread feeling of frustration.
Many predict a new failure for the government by discrediting ETECSA's service in national currency.
"What you're missing is ideas. (...) But you need to use intelligence to create attractive services in USD without affecting the service to the people who only receive national currency," suggested a user.
"As always, they miscalculate. With that, they'll only end up bringing in less money. Because they don't believe that now the 'mafia' in Miami will rush to top up the lines in Cuba just because you say so. You'll see, they're going to mess it up again," an independent worker assured.
The Cuban telecommunications company has struck another blow to the pocketbooks of citizens with these measures that severely restrict access to the Internet in national currency and deepen the dollarization of mobile service on the island.
Being able to recharge only up to 360 Cuban pesos within a 30-day period represents a drastic and unprecedented limit. With that amount, one can barely purchase a 6 GB package.
Those who need more information will have to pay for it in US dollars (USD) or through digital platforms that operate under the logic of the parallel market, where the real value of each dollar is almost the same as on the street.
The data, increasingly in dollars
While the use of CUP is being restricted, ETECSA is promoting new Extra DATA Plans in USD, which are already available through international cards and the MiTransfer Wallet.
These plans can be purchased at authorized commercial offices and offer:
4 GB for 10 USD.
8 GB + 75 MIN + 80 SMS for 20 USD.
16 GB for 35 USD.
All of these "offers" include an additional 300 MB for national browsing, a component that remains unchanged.
What remains in CUP?
Despite this partial dollarization of mobile services, ETECSA ensures that some plans can still be purchased in national currency up to a limit of 360 CUP.
However, new Extra DATA Plans in CUP have also been made available, accessible through Transfermóvil, Online Services, the MiTransfer wallet, and the commercial network.
These packages would be as follows:
3 GB for 3,360 CUP.
7 GB for 6,720 CUP.
15 GB for 11,760 CUP.
Each of these plans also includes 300 MB for national browsing.
However, prices in Cuban pesos are excessively high, reaching figures that far exceed the minimum wage in the country, which is around 3,000 CUP.
In other words, accessing mobile internet at basic levels requires up to four times the minimum monthly salary. It is an unattainable service for a large part of the population, especially for those who do not receive remittances or have access to foreign currency.
ETECSA also reported that these plans can now be used on any mobile network (2G, 3G, and 4G), which they claim represents a technical improvement.
In addition, the voice, SMS plans, and toDus Messaging Package maintain their prices in CUP and continue to be available through traditional channels.
Meanwhile, the dollar plans, promoted as "extra," are sold through the MiTransfer Wallet or international cards
4 GB for 10 USD
8 GB + 75 minutes + 80 SMS for 20 USD
16 GB for 35 USD
A Cuban family without assistance from abroad, without remittances or access to foreign currency, is relegated to the bare minimum of connectivity, or completely outside the system.
ETCISA not only restricts access to the Internet but also the right to information, to digital work, to education, and to connection with the outside world, in a country where an increasing number of people rely on the Internet for survival, study, self-employment, or simply to stay connected.
Instead of democratizing access to connectivity, ETECSA - with the support of the government - has turned the network into a luxury product in the midst of the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's New Dollarization Measures in Cuba
Why has ETECSA decided to dollarize some of its services?
ETECSA has decided to dollarize part of its services to attract more foreign currency and sustain the telecommunications network in Cuba. The company argues that the need for foreign currency is crucial to maintain and develop telecommunications infrastructure amid a severe economic crisis in the country.
What are the new restrictions on the use of Cuban pesos for recharges at ETECSA?
Reloads in Cuban pesos (CUP) are limited to 360 CUP per month, which significantly restricts access to mobile data for those who do not have access to foreign currency. This measure has faced strong criticism for increasing economic and social exclusion in Cuba.
What data plan options does ETECSA offer in U.S. dollars?
ETECSA offers several data plans in US dollars: 4 GB for 10 USD, 8 GB plus 75 minutes and 80 SMS for 20 USD, and 16 GB for 35 USD. These plans are available only through international cards or via the MiTransfer Wallet, making access difficult for many Cubans.
How has the Cuban population reacted to these measures from ETECSA?
The Cuban population has reacted with indignation and rejection towards the measures taken by ETECSA, expressing their discontent on social media. The criticisms focus on economic exclusion, the lack of transparency, and what many consider a "heist at gunpoint" by the state monopoly.
What impact do these ETECSA measures have on Cuban society?
These measures by ETECSA deepen the social and economic divide in Cuba, by limiting access to essential services such as the Internet to those who have access to foreign currency. This turns connectivity into a privilege, pushing a large part of the population to the margins of digitalization and increasing inequality.
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