The Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) has struck another blow to the wallets of its citizens by announcing on May 30 a series of measures that drastically limit Internet access using the national currency and further entrench the dollarization of mobile services on the island. From now on, Cubans are only allowed to top up a maximum of 360 Cuban pesos (CUP) over a 30-day period, representing an unprecedented and severe cap.
This restricted amount barely covers the cost of a 6 GB data package in a country where most salaries aren't enough to meet basic needs. Anyone requiring additional data must pay in United States dollars (USD) or use digital platforms operating under a parallel market system, where the real value of each dollar closely mirrors the street rate.
From Public Service to Privilege for Those Receiving Remittances
ETECSA's description of this change as a "commercial adjustment" is seen as a thinly veiled exclusionary tactic that alienates millions of Cubans without access to foreign currency. The available CUP plans—such as 15 GB for 11,760 pesos—are completely unaffordable for the majority, whose average monthly income is around 3,000 CUP. Essentially, accessing even basic mobile Internet levels requires up to four times the minimum monthly wage.
Meanwhile, plans priced in dollars, marketed as "extras," are sold through MiTransfer Wallet or international cards:
- 4 GB for 10 USD
- 8 GB + 75 minutes + 80 SMS for 20 USD
- 16 GB for 35 USD
A Cuban family without external financial help, remittances, or access to foreign currency is left with minimal connectivity or entirely excluded from the system.
An Unpopular Measure Further Straining Citizen Relations
ETECSA justifies these new restrictions as necessary to "sustain and develop the network," a claim many find cynical considering years of subpar service, frequent data outages, and exorbitant prices that don't match the quality offered. Social media has been flooded with citizen outrage.
Some users voice their frustration with bitter sarcasm: "ETECSA is done for, because I think few people will manage to access communications. We're back to letters, telegrams, smoke signals; Hatuey rises again," quipped one internet user.
Many accuse these "offers" of being daylight robbery by the sole authorized service provider, a state monopoly without competition, effective regulation, or transparency. "If we had another telecommunications company, they'd lose all their customers," one user commented.
Another Step Toward Dollarization
Despite government claims of maintaining CUP services for prioritized sectors and free access to educational platforms, the trend is undeniable: essential services are shifting to a dollarized landscape, accessible only to those receiving remittances or with family abroad.
This move deepens Cuba's social and economic divide. The supposed equality of the socialist system is contradicted by a two-speed digitalization: one for those with access to hard currency, and another for those relying solely on the devalued Cuban peso.
ETECSA's actions not only limit Internet access but also restrict the right to information, digital work, education, and global connectivity in a country where increasing numbers rely on the Internet for survival, education, self-employment, or staying in touch with the world.
In a digital age where connectivity should be democratized, ETECSA—with government backing—has turned the network into a luxury item.
Understanding ETECSA’s Internet Restrictions
What are the new restrictions imposed by ETECSA?
ETECSA now limits Cubans to a maximum top-up of 360 CUP every 30 days, effectively restricting affordable Internet access and promoting dollarized mobile data plans.
How do these changes affect Cubans without access to USD?
Cubans without USD or foreign remittances are left with minimal connectivity options, as affordable Internet services are increasingly dollarized and inaccessible.
Why is ETECSA implementing these changes?
ETECSA claims the changes are necessary to sustain and develop the network, though many criticize this reasoning due to longstanding service deficiencies and high costs.