The account on X of the state telecommunications monopoly ETECSA attempted to improve the tarnished image of its president Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, whom it described as brave and determined.
“Our president Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, with the courage and determination that defines her, addresses the complexity of the situation we are facing and its impact on a community of which she and her workers are a part and with which they are committed,” is stated on ETECSA's X account.
The tweet accompanies a clip of Velázquez Rodríguez's appearance on the podcast of leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, where the official admits that it has not been an easy few days for her.
During that intervention, the president of ETECSA offered public apologies for the poor institutional communication, although without retracting the imposed measures.
Velázquez has defended the new commercial policy, has warned about a potential technical collapse of the telecommunications system and has continued justifying the prioritization of offerings in foreign currency due to the existence of a “market outside of Cuba”.
During the official intervention, which was attended by Diaz-Canel and the Deputy Minister of Communications, Ernesto Rodríguez Hernández, the official acknowledged that ETECSA should have communicated its intentions better and admitted that citizen discontent is understandable given the lack of clarity and the abruptness of the change.
This Saturday, the project Cuban Repressors included Velázquez Rodríguez in its list for his direct role in establishing prohibitive rates for internet access in Cuba, a measure regarded by organizations and analysts as a form of digital rationing and economic repression.
The file against Tania Velázquez includes the charges of:
- Violation of the freedom of opinion, expression, and information (Art. 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
- Internet is unaffordable due to high prices.
- Violation of the right to access information and communication technologies.
These charges categorize her as a "white-collar oppressor," a term that refers to civil officials who suppress through administrative decisions with systematic impacts.
Frequently asked questions about ETECSA's telephone rate hike in Cuba
Why has ETECSA implemented a significant increase in phone tariffs?
ETECSA has justified the rate hike as a necessity to inject foreign currency into the company due to its indebtedness and the lack of resources to import technology. The president Tania Velázquez argued that tariff adjustments are essential to maintain operations and avoid a collapse of the telecommunications system in Cuba.
How does the price hike affect the Cuban population?
The rate hike has increased the costs of internet and mobile phone access, making services unaffordable for many Cubans, especially those who do not receive remittances. Packages in Cuban pesos now exceed even the minimum monthly wage, while dollar packages are being promoted, further deepening inequality in access to telecommunications.
What have been the reactions to ETECSA's rate hike?
The tariff hike has generated a wave of criticism and public discontent, manifested in student protests and academic strikes, especially at the University of Havana. The measure has been perceived as a form of digital rationing and economic repression, with the president of ETECSA included in the List of Repressors for her role in the imposition of these rates.
What measures has ETECSA taken to justify the rate hike?
ETECSA has defended the rate increase by citing financial issues and the need to modernize its infrastructure. Additionally, it has mentioned the existence of a "market outside of Cuba" that requires communication services, thereby justifying the partial dollarization of its rates. The company has faced criticism for not adequately informing the public about these changes.
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