The Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) generates millions in revenue from mobile phone services, according to an analysis conducted by our editorial team based on the official podcast From the Presidency, featuring contributions from the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel and officials from the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM).
Although Tania Velázquez, president of ETECSA, has justified the limitation on access to the Internet in national currency and the dollarization of mobile services by citing the need to earn foreign currency, the executive revealed last Monday that they have earned, on average, 31 USD for each active phone line in Cuba. According to Velázquez, a href="https://www.escambray.cu/2025/casi-ocho-millones-de-usuarios-acceden-a-la-telefonia-movil-en-cuba/" rel="nofollow">since the end of 2024, there are approximately 8 million mobile lines in the country.
Despite Velázquez referring to a monthly income, experts consulted by our editorial team consider it a slip, as in that case they would be generating more than 2.9 billion dollars a year.
An annual calculation, on the other hand, reveals that the telecommunications monopoly in Cuba earns 248 million dollars annually for each active telephone line.
Although it is a high figure, it is lower than what they earned in 2018, when they brought in 133 USD per line. That year, with 5 million active lines, they generated around 660 million dollars.
The president of ETECSA stated on television that the company is going through an “extremely critical situation” marked by "frauds," debt, and a lack of foreign currency.
However, data revealed by the Miami Herald shows that while users must pay over 800% more for an extended mobile package, a company directly linked to ETECSA and controlled by the Armed Forces handles hundreds of millions of dollars without being accountable to the public or civil state structures.
Following the recent imposition of restrictions on national recharges and the increase in dollarization of services, Cuban citizens and students have raised their voices to protest against what they consider an arbitrary and abusive measure.
A medical student questioned this week the use that has been given to the millions in revenues obtained by the company over the years.
It also highlighted the social impact of the new restrictions that limit top-ups from within the country, leaving thousands of families without an accessible means of communication, while the options in foreign currency emerge as the only viable alternatives.
Tania Velázquez, however, made it clear that there will be no turning back on the rate increase.
According to Díaz-Canel, suspending the measures would mean "giving up revenues to maintain the service," and he warned that the country could face a "technological collapse" if unpopular decisions are not implemented.
Frequently asked questions about ETECSA's income and management in Cuba
How much money does ETECSA earn annually from mobile phone services?
ETECSA generates approximately 248 million dollars annually for each active telephone line, totaling a significant amount due to the millions of lines in operation. Despite this revenue, the company faces criticism for the lack of transparency in the use of these funds.
Why has ETECSA raised the prices of its services?
ETECSA has justified the increase in rates due to a financial crisis caused by fraud and a 60% loss of its international revenues. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by the public, who criticize the lack of transparency and the negative impact on access to basic services.
How does the dollarization of ETECSA services affect the Cuban population?
The dollarization of ETECSA's services limits access to connectivity for those who do not have access to foreign currency. This increases economic and digital inequality in Cuba, leaving many people without the ability to access essential communication services.
What criticisms does ETECSA face regarding its financial management?
ETECSA faces criticism for its lack of transparency and accountability regarding the use of its multimillion-dollar revenues. Many Cubans and experts question the management of funds and the allocation of revenues, given the decline in services and the implementation of unpopular measures.
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