The recent imposition of drastic limits on access to the Internet in national currency by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) has sparked a wave of criticism on social media.
Among the most notable reactions is that of the renowned comedian Ulises Toirac, who posted on Facebook a text full of irony in which he mocks the official arguments of the Cuban government to justify this unpopular measure.
His message begins with a seemingly understanding tone: "The government can no longer subsidize products and services" such as connectivity or food. "The days of freebies are over," he emphasized.
It then presents a stark portrait of reality: a Cuban peso that "isn't worth the shell," a population without purchasing power, and a government unable to print more money. All of this can be summed up in two words: "Bad luck."
The satire continues with supposed critiques of those who use the Internet to criticize the system: "If you want to bring down the government, be tough (or soft... or lgbtwhdohrvfj...) and pay eleven thousand. Rebellion has never been cheaper! Buy your data and say whatever you want."
At the end of the text, conclude with a phrase that summarizes the abuse of state power: "And just for you to know: we want MORE, meaning more money. In other words, more laws are coming."
Although the message may initially appear to be a defense of the official discourse, in reality, Toirac uses sarcasm as a vehicle for sharp criticism.
In the comments, he made his tone even clearer: "This town lacks sarcasm and intelligence. Let's see if you all get your act together, piporisnáis, because you don’t even need to realize it's upside down to read it right. For God's sake."
An abuse disguised as a "commercial adjustment"
The trigger for Toirac's text was ETECSA's new decision to limit the amount that citizens can use for mobile recharges to 360 CUP per month.
An absolutely inadequate figure, equivalent to just a little more than a 6 GB data package.
To access any additional amounts, Cubans must pay in dollars or use foreign platforms, in a country where the average salary is only about 3,000 CUP per month and access to foreign currency is practically non-existent for those who do not receive remittances.
ETECSA, the only telecommunications provider in the country, justifies these restrictions by citing the need to "maintain and develop the network."
However, years of abusive rates, data blackouts, and inefficient service have made this explanation sound hollow to the public.
On social media, Cubans have quickly labeled the measure as a new form of expropriation, a further step towards the total dollarization of life in Cuba, and a deliberate exclusion of those who do not have access to hard currency.
The digital divide becomes a class divide
In a context where more and more people rely on internet access for studying, freelance work, or simply staying in touch with family abroad, ETECSA's decision is not just economic, but deeply political.
Restricting access to connectivity is restricting the right to information, freedom of expression, and personal and professional development.
The message from Ulises Toirac, although wrapped in humor, reflects the pent-up anger of millions of Cubans who witness how access to basic services becomes a luxury only available to those receiving help from abroad.
Meanwhile, the government is advancing relentlessly towards a model of digital exclusion that undermines the principles of social equity it claims to uphold. And as Toirac says, "more money" is coming... but not for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about the dollarization of ETECSA and the criticisms of Ulises Toirac
Why does Ulises Toirac criticize the dollarization of ETECSA's services?
Ulises Toirac criticizes ETECSA's dollarization, deeming it an unfair and exclusive measure that restricts Internet access in Cuba for those without foreign currency. He employs sarcasm to highlight that the measure is an abuse disguised as a commercial adjustment, exacerbating social inequality on the island.
What do Cubans think about the new measures from ETECSA?
Most Cubans have expressed their discontent with ETECSA's new measures, labeling them as "armed robbery" and a form of mass exclusion. They believe that these restrictions only benefit those who have access to dollars, deepening the social and economic divide in the country.
What alternatives does ETECSA offer for those who do not have access to dollars?
ETECSA has established a limit of 360 CUP per month for recharges in national currency, which is insufficient to meet basic connectivity needs. The plans in dollars, on the other hand, offer more data and services but are inaccessible to those who do not receive remittances or have access to foreign currency.
How does the dollarization of ETECSA affect access to the Internet in Cuba?
The dollarization of ETECSA severely limits Internet access for those who only have income in Cuban pesos. This creates a digital and class divide, where only those with access to dollars can enjoy adequate connectivity, while the majority of the population is excluded from this essential service.
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