Two days after the strong public backlash against the new ETECSA measures that increase costs and limit top-ups in Cuban pesos, the ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel broke his silence on social media with a brief thread on X (formerly Twitter), where he promised explanations and assured that the government has taken vulnerable sectors into account. However, his words come too late and sound hollow in light of the widespread discontent.
“We have been aware of the opinions, criticisms, and dissatisfaction of our people regarding the measures announced by ETECSA,” wrote Díaz-Canel on the morning of this Sunday, in what many users consider a belated and evasive response to the deep discontent caused by the so-called “tarifazo.”
In his thread, the leader insisted that “the Revolutionary Government is working to provide well-being to the people, amid the most criminal blockade”, once again appealing to the embargo as justification for unpopular decisions.
“We do not like any measure that limits benefits, and it is our duty to thoroughly explain every step taken,” he added, without yet providing a clear explanation as to why these increases were adopted at a time of deep economic crisis.
As a palliative measure, Díaz-Canel stated that “options have been developed for the most vulnerable sectors, including our dear students”, although he did not specify what these alternatives entail or when they will be implemented. He announced that these topics will be addressed in a forthcoming episode of the state-run program “From the Presidency”.
However, many Cubans have expressed skepticism towards these promises. Comments on social media highlight a disconnection between the official discourse and the daily hardships faced by the citizens, who will now have to confront a new blow to their already fragile access to telecommunications.
The set of measures means, in practice, an even more aggressive dollarization of mobile services on the island. From now on, Cubans will only be able to top up to 360 CUP per month, a ridiculous amount compared to the cost of new data packages that can exceed 11,000 CUP.
Meanwhile, ETECSA promotes new plans in dollars (USD) that can only be purchased with international cards or through the MiTransfer Wallet, excluding those who do not have access to remittances or income in foreign currency.
The "national" rates, which remain in CUP, have also skyrocketed. A 15 GB plan costs nearly four times the minimum wage in Cuba, making it practically inaccessible for most of the population.
But what truly surprised this time was the reaction from sectors close to the government itself. In an unusual sign, organizations such as the University Student Federation (FEU) and individuals who always support the regime openly expressed their opposition to the increase in rates.
The members of the FEU expressed their "concern about the direct impact this measure will have on students' access to digital education". Even the pro-government journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, host of state television, was criticized for trying to
"Let's be a bit more serious and not make commercial offers lightly. These are not commercial offers; this is armed robbery. It's another attack on people who already have very little," replied an outraged user to the journalist's post.
Other comments on social media questioned the cynicism of the state monopoly: “They regulate your money and welcome dollars, hypocrites”; “This is beyond imagination: an extra plan costs more than a monthly salary. What’s left for the average person?”
In that context, Díaz-Canel's response seems more like an attempt at damage control than a genuine correction. The fact that he only spoke out after the outpouring of criticism signals a reactive leadership rather than a proactive one, continuing to rely on generic speeches while discontent grows both inside and outside the Island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ETECSA Rate Hike in Cuba
Why has ETECSA decided to limit the top-ups in Cuban pesos?
ETECSA has limited top-ups in Cuban pesos to maximize profits in foreign currency, which is part of a strategy by the Cuban government to attract more dollars amid the economic crisis. The measure is presented as a necessity to sustain the service, but it has been widely criticized for its impact on Cubans' access to telecommunications.
How does ETECSA's price hike affect Cubans who do not have access to foreign currency?
The tariff increase by ETECSA severely affects Cubans who do not have access to foreign currency because it limits their ability to recharge in national currency and forces them to pay exorbitant prices for basic telecommunications services. This widens the economic and digital divide between those who receive remittances or have access to dollars and those who depend exclusively on CUP.
What response has the Cuban government given to the discontent over the rate hike?
The Cuban government has responded to discontent by promising "sensitivity" towards vulnerable sectors, but without providing concrete solutions or clear timelines to improve the situation. The statements made by Díaz-Canel and representatives of ETECSA have been criticized for being evasive and late, failing to effectively address the causes of social unrest.
What role does the U.S. embargo play in the Cuban government's justifications for the rate hike?
The Cuban government uses the U.S. embargo as an excuse for unpopular measures, including the tariff increase by ETECSA. Díaz-Canel has cited the "blockade" as one of the reasons for economic decisions, although many believe it is a pretext to conceal the inefficiency and lack of planning of the regime.
What impact does the ETECSA rate hike have on access to education and work in Cuba?
The rate hike by ETECSA negatively impacts access to education and work, as it limits the connectivity necessary for studying and working remotely. Students and professionals face challenges in accessing educational materials and work tools, exacerbating inequality in a country with already limited economic opportunities.
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