The Cuban Christian Student Movement (MEC), an ecumenical youth organization founded in 1960, has joined the concerns over the increase in ETECSA rates, the Cuban communications monopoly.
Without the tone of protest exhibited in other statements by Cuban students, the MEC released a post on social media expressing its dissatisfaction with the recent measures by ETECSA, which, in the opinion of the students, "deepen the social divide and make the right to communication virtually inaccessible, affecting education and civic participation."
Appealing to "justice, peace, and dialogue," the MEC acknowledged that access to the internet has become a "privilege for a few and a barrier for many."
They argue, following the same line as the official discourse, that the U.S. embargo has an "impact" that they "recognize": "We experience it every day in our own flesh and raise our voices to denounce it both inside and outside of Cuba."
However, they requested not to use it as a justification for arbitrary decisions: "Cuba deserves solutions born from collective wisdom, not measures that increase inequality."
They also advocated for those who would be excluded from the "benefits" that the regime promised to implement for university students, and urged institutions and churches to provide spaces with free internet access for young people, students, and the community.
Below, we reproduce in full the statement from the MEC:
STATEMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN STUDENT MOVEMENT OF CUBA REGARDING ETECSA'S RESTRICTIVE MEASURES ON INTERNET ACCESS
"It has been declared to you what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Sisters and brothers,
Amid the anguish overwhelming our people—food shortages, lack of medicines, an energy crisis, insufficient wages and pensions, and rampant inflation— a new crisis emerges: access to the internet, which has become a privilege for a few and a barrier for many. The recent measures taken by ETECSA, although presented as necessary, deepen the social divide and effectively render the right to communication nearly inaccessible, impacting education and civic participation. As young Christians, students, and Cubans, we raise a pastoral voice that cries out for justice, peace, and dialogue.
We recognize the impact that the U.S. embargo has on our country. We experience it every day firsthand and raise our voices to denounce it both inside and outside of Cuba; however, the embargo cannot justify decisions that harm the dignity of our people. Cuba deserves solutions born from collective wisdom, not measures that widen inequality.
The new measures from ETECSA are a blow that particularly affects students, remote workers, single mothers, and faith communities. In light of this situation, we want to raise awareness:
We are currently in the final exam period. In this context, students are facing limited access to stable resources such as bibliographies, online classes, or educational platforms.
While measures are being announced to provide free connectivity in universities, there is a significant number of professionals outside those institutions whose continuous development and current performance rely on affordable internet access. The reality includes vocational students honing their technical skills, teachers at all levels updating their pedagogical knowledge, doctoral candidates gathering global data for their theses, nurses taking online courses to specialize, and researchers consulting international scientific journals. How can we ensure that these professionals, who are also active students and contribute to social progress, are not excluded from connectivity policies? Is this the model of societal computerization that we desire?
On the other hand, the use of the internet is essential for leisure, as it democratizes access to culture, entertainment, and social connections, fostering creativity and allowing for the enjoyment of free time.
We want a Cuba "with everyone and for the good of everyone." Has there been any consideration of how these measures diverge from the Martian ideal and the socialist commitment? In difficult times like these, the greatest possible coherence is necessary: if the blockade is unjust, it is equally unjust to replicate exclusionary logics from within.
Inspired by the biblical text from Micah, we join the call of various groups urging the repeal of these measures and the opening of dialogue with the people to seek collective solutions.
As a student and ecumenical organization, we want to raise our prophetic voice (proclaiming, denouncing, and proposing). Likewise, we ask those institutions and churches that have the capacity to provide spaces with free internet access for youth, students, and the general public.
We invite Cuban youth to present our demands with dignity and rationale, defending our positions from a place of peace that rejects all violence and any interference that is not in line with the interests of Cuba.
Let us advocate for genuine dialogue among sisters and brothers, without allowing foreign voices—especially those that have never sought the well-being of our people—to compromise the sovereignty of the nation.
We emphasize that no adjustment should favor particular groups, as the right to information is inherent to each individual according to their needs, a principle that contributes to the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda that Cuba endorses. It is vital to recognize that the elderly, women, adolescents, workers from all sectors, students, and entire communities require these educational, formative, organizational, mobilizing, and literacy tools.
We reaffirm our commitment to a more plural and participatory Cuba, where justice, peace, and dialogue prevail.
"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice." Martin Luther King Jr.
Executive Committee of the Christian Student Movement of Cuba
Havana, June 6, 2025, in the year of our Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Rate Hike and the Student Movement in Cuba
Why did the Christian Student Movement of Cuba speak out against ETECSA?
The Christian Student Movement of Cuba (MEC) spoke out against ETECSA due to the increase in rates that, according to them, deepens the social divide and makes the right to communication inaccessible, affecting education and civic participation.
How does ETECSA's rate hike affect Cuban students?
The rate hike by ETECSA affects Cuban students by limiting their access to the internet, which is crucial for their education. High rates make it difficult to obtain bibliographies, attend virtual classes, and use educational platforms, especially during exam periods.
What measures has ETECSA taken in response to the student protests?
ETECSA offered an additional package of 6 GB for 360 CUP exclusively for university students, along with free access to over 40 educational sites. However, these measures have not alleviated the discontent, as they do not address the structural issue of inequality in internet access.
What has been the response of the Cuban government to the protests against ETECSA's rate increase?
The Cuban government has maintained its stance and has not reversed the increase in rates. President Miguel Díaz-Canel has stated that the measures are necessary to maintain the service and has warned of a possible technological collapse if these unpopular decisions are not implemented.
What impact does ETECSA's rate increase have on Cuban society in general?
The ETECSA price hike has generated widespread social discontent, as it limits access to the internet, a basic right, and exacerbates economic inequality. The new rates force many to rely on remittances from abroad, increasing the economic pressure on Cubans both on the island and overseas.
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