Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, the CEO of Cuba's telecommunications monopoly, ETECSA, is set to address the nation on television this Sunday following widespread controversy over a new set of measures. These measures severely restrict the use of the Cuban peso (CUP) for mobile recharges, instead promoting data packages priced in U.S. dollars. The pro-government outlet Cubadebate has announced that due to "questions and numerous opinions" from the public, Velázquez will appear on Cuban television and Radio Rebelde after the Evening News this Sunday.
Lázaro Manuel Alonso, a spokesperson for the regime, stated on Facebook that the "conversation" is necessary due to the confusion, dissatisfaction, criticisms, and "public sentiment" sparked by ETECSA's recent policies. He also mentioned that they aim to address several issues that have been raised by the public on social media.
ETECSA has imposed a limit on CUP recharges, capping them at 360 in a 30-day period, which effectively forces users to purchase larger data packages in U.S. dollars or at exorbitant CUP prices. This move has been criticized for excluding those without access to foreign currency.
For Cubans who lack access to dollars and cannot afford an additional 3GB for over 3,000 CUP, the only option is a 6 GB package for 360 CUP per month, which is insufficient for daily internet needs. This deepens inequality and restricts connectivity for a significant segment of the population.
On Friday, during the official Mesa Redonda program, ETECSA's president and another official denied that the measure aims to dollarize the economy, though they admitted leveraging the Cuban diaspora to collect dollars. "Regarding dollarization, for over 15 years, we've had the concept of international recharge, which has been well-utilized by a significant percentage of our clientele. With these attractive promotions, interesting consumption levels can also be achieved. Therefore, the concept of dollarization is, in some way, a necessity in certain sectors today," Velázquez acknowledged on television.
She remarked that the "market" of expatriate Cubans is attractive for foreign currency inflow. "We also take advantage of the opportunities available today. There is a market outside Cuba that is interested in keeping their families connected, and evidently, we offer our services for that purpose," she stated, emphasizing that CUP tariffs remain.
The new ETECSA scheme separates domestic balance from international recharge funds, favoring access to services in dollars. From Transfermóvil, only 360 pesos can be deposited monthly, a severe limitation for thousands of Cuban users who do not receive remittances or international recharges. Once the balance is depleted, users must choose between high costs in the national currency or USD recharges from abroad.
Understanding ETECSA's New Tariff Policies
What changes has ETECSA implemented regarding mobile recharges?
ETECSA has restricted the use of the Cuban peso (CUP) for mobile recharges to a maximum of 360 CUP within 30 days, promoting data packages that must be purchased in U.S. dollars instead.
Why are these changes controversial among Cubans?
The changes are controversial because they disproportionately affect those without access to foreign currency, limiting their ability to afford sufficient internet connectivity and deepening social inequalities.
How has ETECSA defended its new policy?
ETECSA officials have argued that the policy does not intend to dollarize the economy but rather takes advantage of the Cuban diaspora to generate revenue through international mobile recharges.