A fire at a telecommunications cabinet in Marianao, Havana, has left hundreds without phone service, as confirmed by the Cuban telecommunications company, ETECSA. The blaze ignited at a Q1 cabinet located on the sidewalk near streets 120 and 49, according to ETECSA's social media updates.
The incident has disrupted landline services for approximately 400 customers. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. "Efforts are underway to determine the cause and restore service as swiftly as possible," ETECSA stated in a post.
Some users speculated that the fire might have been deliberately set. "Unless strict laws are enforced, these incidents will continue. All this vandalism only harms the public, who suffer the most," commented one user.
Continued Challenges for ETECSA Services
ETECSA has faced multiple service interruptions recently. In a separate update shared on Friday, it was revealed that key infrastructure supporting services has been damaged. In Centro Habana, between Hospital Street, San Rafael, and San José, two major underground cables were severed, further affecting phone connectivity for residents.
Previous Incidents Impacting Telecommunications
In April, two fires in San Miguel del Padrón significantly impacted telecommunications services. These fires left numerous customers without phone and internet access in several eastern Havana communities. One fire on the Pitirre Road, opposite the 1580 penitentiary, destroyed nearly 200 meters of telephone cables.
Another incident occurred in the Monterrey Popular Council. A fire, triggered by accumulated trash at the base of a pole near the Cuevita Fair, completely disabled that node. According to an ETECSA official, the fire severed all equipment connections, disrupting service for users in the vicinity.
Frequently Asked Questions About ETECSA Service Disruptions
What caused the fire in Marianao?
The cause of the fire in Marianao is still under investigation by ETECSA.
How many people were affected by the service disruption?
Approximately 400 customers experienced a loss of phone service due to the fire.
Have there been other recent disruptions to ETECSA services?
Yes, there have been multiple disruptions, including severed cables in Centro Habana and previous fires in San Miguel del Padrón.