Musician Criticizes ETECSA's New Plans as "Highway Robbery"

The renowned Cuban musician, Abel Gerones, has vocally criticized ETECSA's recent decision to cap Cuban peso (CUP) top-ups at 360 per month while offering mobile data plans exclusively in U.S. dollars (USD). In a Facebook post shared on Saturday, the singer-songwriter denounced the arbitrary measure as akin to "highway robbery," arguing that it severely limits top-up options in favor of exorbitantly priced packages.

"Our much-criticized telecommunications company seems determined to collect dollars by essentially robbing users who have to beg for dollars from family abroad (if they have any) and leaving those of us without such support out in the cold," Gerones expressed on social media.

In his condemnation of the move, Gerones highlighted that Cubans typically use around 9.9 GB of mobile data monthly, yet under the current restrictions, they can only purchase 6GB with 360 CUP. His critique emphasized the plight of those who rely on the internet for work, often needing double the average data consumption, and those unable to secure top-ups from abroad.

He also pointed out, "In case no one noticed, ETECSA set the USD rate according to the informal market. It's audacious," voicing his frustration with such governmental maneuvers.

Fellow musician Adrián Berazaín chimed in through the comments, noting that there was no prior notification or consultation regarding this decision. "I'd like to add that they didn't even inform us beforehand, nor did they seek our input. This time, you beat me to writing a great song about it. You have my support, and I'll be sharing your post," Berazaín stated.

The announcement has sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with users voicing their dismay at what they perceive as the marginalization of millions lacking access to foreign currency. One young woman likened the mobile data situation to the chronic bread shortages in Cuban stores. "Even if you want more, you only get one per month. And this time, there's no other place to buy bread. Because ETECSA is the only option."

This marks another step in the increasing dollarization of the Cuban economy, where essential services like internet access are becoming privileges for those receiving remittances or with access to dollars.

ETECSA has defended the decision, citing the "necessity" to "maintain and develop the network." However, many view this justification as a mockery, given the longstanding issues of service deficiencies, data outages, and exorbitant prices.