The Vice President of the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC), Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, also known as Paquito de Cuba, has publicly denounced the public backlash against ETECSA's recent policy changes. The Cuban telecommunications company has limited recharges in Cuban pesos (CUP) to 360 per month and now offers mobile data plans exclusively in U.S. dollars (USD).
On his Facebook page, Paquito stated, "People are willing to pay for hotels, private restaurants, and even expensive cigars, but expect ETECSA to subsidize all their Internet needs." His comments also targeted those who conveniently support socialism, referencing individuals who have criticized the company’s move to gather dollars through recharges.
Defending the restriction of plans in national currency, he argued, "They keep insisting on respecting market laws, but when it comes down to applying them, ETECSA becomes the bad guy." His remarks have sparked outrage among many internet users. Critics argue that comparing luxury items like hotels to essential services like communications is misguided.
One Cuban commenter noted, "I've never paid for a hotel, nor have I been to a restaurant or smoked, and my salary is 4,410 pesos. I also work from home using mobile data." Another pointed out that the majority of the working-class Cubans do not indulge in such luxuries and emphasized the critical role of the Internet in modern life.
Some stated, "Hotels and private restaurants might be a luxury for some, but services like water, electricity, gas, and communications should align with our earnings." Rodríguez Cruz, known for being a spokesperson for the regime, has previously asked friends in exile for phone recharges.
Years ago, he even won a 400 CUC recharge from one of our contests with a family photo of him, his son, and his partner. Since then, he has continued to support the regime, remaining close to figures like Mariela Castro and Lis Cuesta, and as a member of the PCC.
Proponents like Paquito argue that ETECSA's plan is aimed at preventing the Internet in Cuba from "collapsing," although many view these justifications as insufficient.
Steps Toward Economic Dollarization
ETECSA's recent decision to cap Cuban peso recharges and offer dollar-only mobile plans has left many on social media feeling alienated. These changes are viewed as another step towards the dollarization of Cuba's economy, where essential services, such as Internet access, become privileges for those with remittances or dollar access.
A young woman likened the mobile data situation to the bread shortages in stores, saying, "Even if you want more, you're only allowed one a month. And this time, there's nowhere else to buy bread because ETECSA is the only option."
ETECSA justifies these measures by claiming they are necessary to "sustain and develop the network." However, many see this as a mere pretext, as the service has been plagued with issues like data outages and exorbitant prices for years.
Understanding ETECSA's New Pricing Policy
Why has ETECSA limited recharges in Cuban pesos?
ETECSA has capped recharges in Cuban pesos to 360 per month as part of a strategy to gather foreign currency, specifically U.S. dollars, through mobile data plans.
What is the public reaction to ETECSA's new policy?
The public reaction has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration over the exclusionary impact on citizens without access to foreign currency.