The CEO of the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, is set to appear on the Roundtable program this coming Monday to discuss the company's recent controversial policies. The decision to cap balances in the national currency in favor of foreign currency usage has sparked widespread criticism on social media and negative public opinion across the island, prompting her to address the nation on television last Saturday.
Velázquez Rodríguez expressed, "We anticipate that during our Roundtable appearance on Monday, we might be able to provide more details," focusing on connectivity options for university students and other groups relying on internet access for their academic and professional activities. "We'll be sharing more information through every available channel regarding the implementation of this measure. There are still many uncertainties," she added.
The president justified the recent price hikes, citing the urgent need to inject foreign currency, as ETECSA's systems are in a "sensitive situation," and the company is heavily in debt. "We are facing debts that we cannot pay, which means we can't import more technology, supplies, or purchase what we need abroad to maintain our current services," she detailed, emphasizing that the focus is on sustaining current services rather than development.
Velázquez Rodríguez disclosed that ETECSA has lost over 60% of its foreign revenue due to fraud involving international top-ups. She explained that many users purchase top-ups via unauthorized platforms, resulting in payments being held abroad while balances are credited in Cuban pesos domestically.
Communication Breakdown and Public Outcry
Moreover, the executive acknowledged that the company failed to adequately inform the public ahead of time about the new restrictions on mobile top-ups in CUP, which sparked a wave of internet backlash and public discontent. "We lacked the tools and effective mechanisms to convey all this information," she admitted.
The abrupt announcement of the restrictions was primarily due to concerns about a potential digital collapse, as Velázquez had to concede. A surge in top-ups could have overwhelmed ETECSA's already fragile technological infrastructure. "It wasn't feasible to announce a measure in advance that would generate anxiety, leading to actions that could impact our system. People would have rushed to top-up their balances intensively, which could have caused failures on some platforms," she explained.
Growing Distrust Towards ETECSA and Government Policies
These statements come amid increasing skepticism towards ETECSA and the Cuban government, whose policies exacerbate inequality in accessing essential services like the internet. The public does not expect Monday's session to yield effective solutions to the issues raised, especially after Velázquez Rodríguez stated that there would be no reversal of the policies.
ETECSA's new restrictions disadvantage Cubans not receiving remittances while promoting foreign currency payments. The new dollar-based plans offer 4 GB for $10 or 16 GB for $35, whereas national plans, for instance, cost 3 GB at 3,360 CUP, a sum exceeding the monthly minimum wage. Cubans have voiced their frustration online, likening the situation to the scarcity of basic goods.
For many, this represents a legalized scam and a direct assault on the Cuban populace, who are witnessing how internet and mobile phone access have become increasingly costly and out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions About ETECSA's New Policies
What prompted ETECSA to limit balances in the national currency?
The limitation was introduced to prioritize the use of foreign currency, as ETECSA faces significant debts and needs to generate foreign revenue to maintain its services.
How has the public reacted to ETECSA's new policies?
The public has reacted negatively, with widespread criticism on social media, viewing the policies as creating inequality and making essential services less accessible.
What are ETECSA's new data plan offerings?
ETECSA's new plans include options like 4 GB for $10 or 16 GB for $35, while national plans offer 3 GB for 3,360 CUP.