The Cuban government's recent decision to drastically increase internet access fees has pushed many citizens out of the digital realm, exposing yet another layer of governmental insensitivity. In response to the public outcry, ETECSA's Executive President, Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, appeared on national television the following day. She claimed that the state-run company is "deeply empathetic" to the plight of affected sectors and is working on tailored solutions for students, doctors, teachers, and other professionals, though she failed to provide any concrete timelines or details.
In an interview with state journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, Velázquez attempted to defend the price hike, citing the need to "sustain the service" and urging public "understanding and support." She disclosed that for weeks, ETECSA has been in talks with the Ministry of Higher Education to develop more suitable connectivity schemes for students. Proposed solutions under consideration include differentiated access programs, local server data repositories, and platforms like CUBEDUCA, a state-run site offering educational content that Velázquez claims is free and accessible to students and teachers.
Uncertain Solutions Amidst Widespread Connectivity Issues
Despite acknowledging students' need for increased connectivity, Velázquez stated that proposed solutions would be implemented as they materialize, contingent on the country's infrastructural and technical capabilities. However, specifics about which sectors would benefit and based on what criteria were notably absent.
For medical professionals and other workers, Velázquez emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate communication but again refrained from detailing specific measures. She suggested utilizing existing infrastructure, such as sites with free national navigation, and developing caching solutions to download large files without constant international network access. These proposals, however, fall short of addressing the immense connectivity challenges faced by universities, hospitals, and educational centers across the nation.
Criticism and Lack of Transparency
Velázquez hinted that ETECSA might expand on these projects in an upcoming appearance on the official Mesa Redonda program but offered no promises of immediate implementation. Meanwhile, the price hike is already in effect, impacting thousands of students, educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals who rely on the internet for education, work, and essential services.
As the sole legal telecommunications provider in Cuba, ETECSA has long been criticized for its inefficiency, exorbitant prices, and lack of transparency, with little indication of genuine reform or modernization. During her televised appearance, Velázquez also vaguely addressed the reasons behind the recent "tariff hike," attributing it to the need to "maintain the country's technological infrastructure" and a supposed strategy to keep the service operational.
She admitted that the new price scheme was not previously discussed or shared with the public, reinforcing perceptions of unilateral decision-making by the telecommunications monopoly. Additionally, Velázquez acknowledged institutional communication failures with ETECSA's users, admitting that many complaints stem from unclear communication and slow responses to public demands. While she assured improvements in "feedback channels," no timelines or specific tools were presented to address these deficiencies.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA's Internet Tariff Hike
Why did ETECSA increase internet tariffs?
ETECSA increased internet tariffs, citing the need to sustain the country's technological infrastructure and maintain operational services.
What solutions is ETECSA proposing for affected sectors like students and doctors?
ETECSA is considering solutions such as differentiated access programs, local server data repositories, and the use of platforms like CUBEDUCA, although no concrete timelines or details have been provided.
Has ETECSA communicated effectively with its users about the tariff changes?
ETECSA has acknowledged communication failures with its users, admitting that many complaints arise from unclear communication and slow responses to public demands.