Israel Rojas, the musician from the duo Buena Fe, has voiced his criticism regarding the communication flaws he perceives in ETECSA's recent announcement to dollarize its main mobile internet services. "ETECSA's price hike is riddled with all the communication failings of Cuba's current political landscape," he remarked in a brief Facebook post.
Though a supporter of the regime, Rojas refrained from directly criticizing the measure. He believes that, despite the undeniable "technical and objective reasons" for the price increase, they ultimately appear uncertain, unjust, and erratic.
His comments have sparked discussion among those close to the regime, indicating discontent even among its supporters. Journalist Fernando Ravsberg noted, "Not even the CIA's psychological manipulation experts could achieve the mood ETECSA created with the way they delivered the news."
User Nolan Fuentes expressed her frustration, stating, "It's unheard of. The phone service contract clearly states that changes must be announced 30 days in advance, but ETECSA seems to disregard this completely. They only care about the dollars coming in from abroad, and no one knows where this money ends up, although thousands of USD flow in every month from this."
Official photographer Iván Soca shared his perspective, "25 years ago, I wrote a letter to Fidel stating that ETECSA was the enemy and that communication is independence for a country. I imagine if he read it, he might have thought I was just a confused young man."
Official Supporters React to ETECSA's Dollarization Measures
On Friday, ETECSA unveiled a new set of measures, sharply limiting the use of Cuban pesos (CUP) for mobile recharges while promoting data packages in U.S. dollars. Beyond the immediate shock and outrage the announcement generated, it was the reaction within the Cuban digital ecosystem that was particularly striking. Even within official regime platforms like Cubadebate, the news triggered a flood of comments expressing unrestrained anger, exceeding the usual bounds of criticism on the island.
Many viewed the decision to limit CUP recharges to a maximum of 360 pesos per month, while offering data plans in foreign currency, as a formal step toward the dollarization of mobile services in Cuba. The announcement, accompanied by technocratic jargon and promises of "technical improvements," was met with a rare public outcry from official voices and state media.
Within hours, more than 1,300 comments poured onto Cubadebate's official page. This time, the response was not one of resigned approval but of unfiltered indignation. A reader summed up the sentiment with bitter irony: "Let's be serious. This is not an offer; this is daylight robbery. Another blow to those who already have very little."
Understanding ETECSA's Controversial Measures
What are the recent changes announced by ETECSA?
ETECSA recently announced measures that restrict the use of Cuban pesos (CUP) for mobile recharges and promote data packages in U.S. dollars.
Why is there backlash against ETECSA's new policy?
The backlash stems from the perception that the policy formalizes the dollarization of mobile services in Cuba, further burdening citizens who already face economic hardships.
How did the public react to the announcement?
The announcement prompted a rare public outcry, with over 1,300 comments on Cubadebate's official page, expressing unfiltered indignation rather than resigned approval.