The public discontent surrounding the recent price hike by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) has reached such levels that even state-run media has started voicing critiques of the decision. In a rare editorial, the Matanzas-based newspaper Girón questioned the sudden surge in prices for essential telecom services and urged the state-run company for more transparency and empathy amidst the severe economic crisis faced by the population.
"Connectivity is not a luxury," emphasized the editorial, reflecting growing pressure from various social sectors, including university students, artists, and regular users. While acknowledging the state company's need for foreign currency and echoing the regime's traditional justifications regarding the "U.S. blockade," Girón's editorial admitted that the measures have sparked a massive and legitimate adverse reaction.
The editorial posed critical questions: "Following ETECSA's announcement, thousands of citizens and workers who rely on mobile services to find clients, students conducting research, and families video calling the diaspora expressed their discontent publicly. How can such a steep figure be absorbed amidst an unprecedented economic crisis?"
According to the publication, "In queues, on social networks, and at family lunches, the big question echoes: Was such an abysmal leap necessary? Isn't there a middle ground between ETECSA's financial suffocation and the users' economic strain?"
"To accompany this process and provide the people and users with accurate and truthful information, detailed and public explanations of the investment and improvement plan are needed, along with information on whether alternatives will be explored to alleviate the impact on productive sectors and those with lower incomes," the editorial concluded.
The critiques have multiplied across social media and various outlets: from the University Student Federation (FEU) to regime representatives and spokespersons, the rejection of ETECSA's measures is widespread and indicative of the discontent generated by what is perceived as an abusive and elitist policy.
Meanwhile, ETECSA President Tania Velázquez Rodríguez—who is set to appear on television again this Sunday—defended the price hike, claiming that "there is a market outside Cuba that wants to communicate with their families" and that the company needs foreign currency to remain operational. At the same time, Cuba's Minister of Communications, Mayra Arevich Marín, stated that opinions are being "considered," yet no concrete solutions have been offered thus far.
In contrast, other official voices have attempted to deny the "dollarization" of ETECSA, despite the new scheme prioritizing top-ups from abroad and capping balance to a monthly top-up of 360 CUP for a 6 GB package, which is clearly insufficient to meet daily internet needs.
The backlash on social media has been overwhelming: "They squeeze those inside to pay for those outside," summarized one Facebook user.
Far from calming tensions, Girón's editorial has lent further legitimacy to the dissatisfaction. By calling for "management with justice, vision, and dialogue," it opens the door to a potential reconsideration by the state-run company, controlled by the Business Administration Group S.A. (GAESA).
Understanding ETECSA's Dollarization Controversy
Why is ETECSA facing criticism for its new pricing?
ETECSA is criticized for abruptly raising prices for essential telecom services, which many see as burdensome during an economic crisis. The move has sparked widespread discontent among citizens who rely on these services.
What has been the response from state-run media and officials?
State-run media, like the newspaper Girón, has criticized the decision, calling for transparency and empathy. Officials have defended the move, citing the need for foreign currency, though some deny the "dollarization" claim.
How has the public reacted to the new ETECSA pricing?
The public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with widespread criticism on social media and expressions of dissatisfaction from various social groups, including students and families.