On Monday, Cuba's Acting Minister of Communications, Ernesto Rodríguez Hernández, staunchly defended the "socialist, revolutionary, and popular" nature of the Cuban Telecommunications Company, S.A. (ETECSA), amidst a surge of public dissent and protests regarding the recent price hikes, commonly referred to as the "tarifazo." Speaking on the state-run program Mesa Redonda, Rodríguez emphasized, "I'd like to affirm, with all humility and simplicity, that ETECSA is not just a socialist and revolutionary state enterprise, but it is indeed a company of the people."
The minister highlighted that the company's revenue not only supports the development of telecommunications but also underpins essential aspects of Cuban life, many of which are highly sensitive and stem from the social project we committed to building.
These remarks come at a time of heightened public outrage over the new tariffs introduced by ETECSA at the end of May. Numerous social media users have labeled the measures as "daylight robbery," noting that the new plans in the national currency (CUP) surpass even the island's minimum monthly wage. For instance, a 15 GB plan is priced at 11,760 CUP, while national recharges are capped at 360 CUP every 30 days.
Public Dissent Over Unequal Access to Communication
Simultaneously, ETECSA is offering packages priced in U.S. dollars (USD), with options at 10, 20, and 35 USD—affordable only for those receiving remittances or possessing foreign currency access. This disparity has provoked criticism for maintaining a "caste communication system," where only those with overseas support can stay connected.
In a nation where the minimum monthly wage hovers around 2,100 CUP (approximately 5 USD), the new pricing has been deemed prohibitive and exclusionary by many. ETECSA's Executive President, Tania Velázquez, defended the increase as vital for infusing foreign currency into a financially burdened and technologically outdated company. However, her explanations have failed to quell societal discontent.
Even official circles have voiced concerns. The state-owned newspaper Girón condemned the sudden price hikes and called for greater sensitivity and transparency from the state-run company amid the Cuban population's ongoing crisis.
Against this backdrop, the interim minister's assertion that ETECSA "belongs to the people" has been met with skepticism by citizens who daily confront a system that restricts connectivity based on income and financial source.
Understanding the Impact of ETECSA's Price Increases
Why are ETECSA's new tariffs controversial?
The new tariffs are controversial because they exceed the minimum monthly wage in Cuba, making them unaffordable for many. The pricing structure also perpetuates inequality by favoring those with access to foreign currency.
What has been the public reaction to the price hikes?
The public reaction has been one of outrage and discontent, with many taking to social media to criticize the new plans as a form of economic exploitation and a barrier to communication.
How did ETECSA justify the increased prices?
ETECSA's Executive President, Tania Velázquez, explained that the price hikes were necessary to inject foreign currency into the company, which is financially strapped and technologically behind.