In an effort to defend the unpopular Internet access restrictions imposed by ETECSA, the Cuban government labeled these measures on Tuesday as "painful but temporary." During the latest broadcast of the Mesa Redonda dedicated to this issue, Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz justified the restrictions as a response to the "complex economic situation" facing the country and appealed for "public understanding" of decisions he described as "painful but necessary."
Despite the official statement, skepticism remains high among citizens who are increasingly struggling to stay connected, pursue education, or perform their jobs. The official acknowledged the poor communication of the measure. "Our people are intelligent, cultured, and educated. We did not communicate the measure well, and we must admit that," he stated.
Restrictions Amid Economic Struggles
Martínez Díaz emphasized that these changes are part of the government's plan to "boost the Cuban economy by 2025," and mentioned that "modeling" was performed to minimize the impact on sensitive sectors like students, educators, and healthcare professionals. However, the restrictions continue to affect a large portion of the population, especially the most vulnerable sectors who lack access to dollars, which is essential to purchase additional data packages beyond the 360 CUP monthly limit.
Martínez promised that, "in due time," the country might "restore the level of access previously available to the public" and even "lower costs," but did not provide specific timelines or structural measures to ensure this outcome.
Promises Without Progress
In a previous session of the Mesa Redonda, ETECSA's President Tania Velázquez Rodríguez announced a provision allowing university students to buy a second 6 GB data package for another 360 CUP, totaling 12 GB per month. Additionally, 40 educational sites were made freely accessible. However, these changes do not alter the core exclusionary framework that prevents millions of Cubans from freely accessing the Internet without turning to the dollarized market.
In fact, ETECSA itself acknowledged that about 50% of the population will face limited access, which represents a significant regression from achievements previously celebrated by the government as part of the "informatization of society" process.
Student Activism and Calls for Fairness
University students have courageously coordinated their voices, demanding a fair, transparent telecommunications policy aligned with the right to education. Students from the Mathematics and Computer Science department at the University of Havana initiated an indefinite academic strike, joined by faculties of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work, among others.
The young protesters reject mobile data packages limited to their group, emphasizing that they seek not sectoral privileges but social justice and equity in Internet access for all citizens.
An Unsustainable Economic Model
The government claims it needs to sustain technological infrastructure, which requires hundreds of millions of dollars annually. However, what's evident is an inefficient economic model that once again shifts the crisis burden onto the populace, instead of seeking structural solutions or diversifying funding sources.
Faced with public discontent, the government's response remains unchanged: rhetoric of resistance, promises without deadlines, and a call for obedience without genuine dialogue.
The Disconnect Goes Beyond Technology
The primary issue isn't merely reduced mobile data for Cubans. It's that the government appears increasingly disconnected from the nation's real needs. While accusing students of being manipulated by anti-regime voices, the population faces restrictions that hamper their development, right to information, and organizational capacity.
By insisting on unpopular measures without listening to the cries for justice and equity, the regime has incited a generational rift with sectors that have historically been the system's backbone, such as university students. In the words of the Deputy Prime Minister himself, this is "a loss of something we had achieved." But it's not just about the Internet. What has been lost, painfully and dangerously, is trust.
Understanding ETECSA's Internet Restrictions
Why has ETECSA imposed Internet restrictions?
The Cuban government claims that the restrictions are a response to the country's complex economic situation and are part of efforts to boost the economy by 2025.
How are students responding to the Internet restrictions?
University students have organized protests and academic strikes, demanding a fair and transparent telecommunications policy that ensures equitable Internet access for all citizens.
What impact do the restrictions have on the Cuban population?
The restrictions limit access for a significant portion of the population, particularly affecting the most vulnerable sectors who cannot purchase additional data due to financial constraints.