Cubans Lash Out at ETECSA's New Mobile Top-Up Restrictions: Discontent Surfaces on Government Sites

The Cuban telecommunications company, ETECSA, recently unveiled a series of measures that drastically limit the use of the Cuban peso (CUP) for mobile top-ups. Instead, the focus shifts to data packages priced in U.S. dollars. The announcement stirred immediate confusion and outrage, particularly noticeable on the government-aligned portal, Cubadebate, where an outpouring of comments broke through the usual boundaries of critique within the island.

The regulation, which caps CUP recharges at 360 pesos per month while offering data plans in foreign currency, is perceived by many as a step towards the dollarization of mobile services in Cuba. This move, accompanied by promises of technical "improvements," triggered an unprecedented backlash among voices usually aligned with the state. Within hours, over 1,300 comments flooded Cubadebate's official page, expressing raw indignation rather than the typical resigned acceptance.

Commercial Offers or Plain Exploitation?

ETECSA branded these changes as an update to its "commercial offers." However, for those earning in Cuban pesos, this came across as a bitter insult. One commentator sarcastically remarked, "Let's be honest. This isn't an offer; it's daylight robbery. Just another blow to those who already have so little." The stark disparity between the minimum wage in Cuba and the new pricing is glaring. For instance, a 15 GB data plan in CUP costs 11,760 pesos, far exceeding the monthly income of most state workers.

Another option, priced at 10 USD for 4 GB, is only accessible to individuals with international cards or a balance in the Monedero MiTransfer, effectively excluding millions of Cubans.

A Tightening Noose on Internet Access

The new policies not only raise the cost of access but also directly limit the amount of CUP a user can recharge, thus restricting internet access. Henceforth, no one can add more than 360 pesos to their prepaid line per month—a symbolic amount that barely suffices for a fraction of data or minutes.

One user commented, "The ration book has arrived at ETECSA," drawing a parallel between the food rationing system and this new digital policy. Another added, "One extra plan surpasses the minimum wage. This is truly a revolutionary achievement."

Voices of Dissent Emerge on Official Platforms

What's noteworthy is not just the figures or the technical changes but the platform where these criticisms are voiced. Cubadebate, a historically pro-government media outlet, became a vessel for hundreds of messages of rejection, sarcasm, and public exasperation.

One comment expressed, "They control our money while opening doors to dollars—hypocrites." Others highlighted the social gap between decision-makers and those bearing the consequences, stating, "Fortunate is the one making decisions from an air-conditioned office with a car waiting outside. What about the people?"

This type of discourse appearing on an official platform is more than anecdotal; it signals the growing disconnect between state narratives and daily realities.

Internet for the Privileged Few

ETECSA defended its decision by saying the new packages allow browsing on any network (2G, 3G, 4G). However, this technical upgrade does little to offset the economic barrier it creates. As one commentator put it, "What good is the ability to use any network if I can't afford any?"

In Cuba's digital landscape, where connectivity is still sporadic or limited to 3G zones, this measure is seen as another form of exclusion. "They're deliberately disconnecting us. Without MLC, we're shut out of the world," wrote another user, highlighting the enforced digital divide.

Humor as a Shield, Sarcasm as a Weapon

In typical Cuban fashion, humor emerged as a coping mechanism amidst the outrage. Ironically charged phrases like "Spiritual recharge: includes 100 blessings and 1 minute of signal," or "ETECSA launches its new plan: the mobile blackout," surfaced among the comments. These jokes, penned in anger, also reflect the popular ingenuity and resilience against the increasingly hostile environment built by the government under Miguel Díaz-Canel's "continuity" regime.

Growing Discontent Overflows

Despite ETECSA's assurances of maintaining CUP services and support for prioritized social sectors, the reality points to a progressive and exclusionary dollarization of mobile services. The recent decisions are not only unpopular but seen as out of touch with the country's realities. One widely shared message warned, "This isn't a mistake. It's a policy. And it pushes us further away from the right to communicate."

What stands out is not just the measure itself but where the backlash occurred. The avalanche of criticism on Cubadebate marks a turning point. Díaz-Canel's new measure has opened a fissure in the official narrative, indicating that controlling the discourse is insufficient when decisions directly impact millions.

The comments aren't from organized dissidents or opposition influencers. These are everyday voices from within. And in the Cuban context, that's perhaps the most telling sign. When frustration manages to seep through even the cracks of the state's propaganda machine, the system can no longer pretend unanimity.