Following a significant public backlash against ETECSA's recent policy changes that increase costs and restrict mobile top-ups in Cuban pesos, Cuba's leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has finally addressed the issue. In a brief series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Díaz-Canel pledged to provide explanations and claimed that the government has taken vulnerable sectors into account. However, his remarks seem belated and lack substance given the widespread discontent.
"We have been attentive to the opinions, criticisms, and dissatisfaction of our people regarding the measures announced by ETECSA," Díaz-Canel wrote on Sunday morning. His words are perceived by many as a delayed and evasive response to the uproar caused by the so-called "tariff hike".
In his posts, the Cuban president reiterated that "the Revolutionary Government is working to ensure the well-being of the people, amidst the most criminal blockade," once again using the embargo as a justification for unpopular decisions. "No measure that limits benefits is pleasant, and it is our duty to thoroughly explain every step taken," he added, yet he failed to provide a clear rationale for the price increases during a severe economic crisis.
An Attempt to Soothe Public Anger?
As a conciliatory gesture, Díaz-Canel mentioned that "options have been developed for the most vulnerable sectors, including our beloved students," though he did not specify what these alternatives entail or when they might be implemented. He announced that these topics would be discussed in an upcoming episode of the state-run program "Desde la Presidencia."
Despite these promises, many Cubans remain skeptical. Comments on social media highlight a disconnect between the official narrative and the daily struggles of citizens, who now face another blow to their already limited access to telecommunications.
Economic Burden Escalates
The new measures effectively push for a more aggressive dollarization of mobile services on the island. From now on, Cubans can only top up to 360 CUP per month, a trivial amount compared to the cost of new data packages that can exceed 11,000 CUP. Meanwhile, ETECSA is promoting new USD-based plans available only through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet, excluding those without access to remittances or foreign currency income.
The "national" tariffs, still in CUP, have also skyrocketed. A 15 GB plan costs nearly four times the minimum wage in Cuba, making it practically unaffordable for most people.
Unexpected Dissent from Within
What truly stood out this time was the reaction from sectors typically aligned with the regime. In a rare move, organizations like the Federación Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU) and individuals usually supportive of the government openly opposed the rate hikes. FEU members expressed their "concern over the direct impact this measure will have on students' access to digital education." Even state TV journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso faced criticism for attempting to spin ETECSA's decision as a "commercial offer update."
An outraged user responded to the journalist's post, saying, "Let's be a bit more serious and not call these commercial offers lightly. These are not commercial offers; this is daylight robbery. Another attack on people who have very little."
Other social media comments questioned the cynicism of the state monopoly: "They regulate your money and open their mouths to dollars, hypocrites"; "This defies imagination: an extra plan costs more than a monthly salary. What's left for the common people?"
In this context, Díaz-Canel's response seems more like damage control than a genuine course correction. The fact that he spoke only after the wave of criticism suggests a reactive rather than proactive leadership, one that continues to rely on generic rhetoric while discontent grows both within and outside the island.
Understanding ETECSA's Recent Policy Changes
What changes did ETECSA implement that caused public outrage?
ETECSA introduced new measures that increased costs and restricted top-ups in Cuban pesos, effectively pushing for a dollarization of mobile services on the island.
How did Díaz-Canel respond to the backlash?
Díaz-Canel addressed the issue on social media, promising explanations and claiming consideration for vulnerable sectors, but his response was seen as delayed and lacking substance.