As discontent grows among Cuban students over the actions of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), the government continues to dismiss the university protests against the recent price increases. Social media has become a platform for students to share videos of young people vocally opposing the newly imposed restrictions on national top-ups and the increasing dollarization of mobile phone services.
Joan Santana Zamora, a student from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Havana, recently declared that the price hike is "the straw that broke the camel's back." During a meeting with representatives from the FEU of his faculty and ETECSA officials, Santana read a prepared statement.
In his powerful message, Santana highlighted that these measures come amidst lengthy 20-hour power outages, job insecurity, and wages that fall short of basic living expenses. "Wages that don't cover even the most basic needs and the feeling that each day is a battle against a dysfunctional system. And now ETECSA, without proper notice, raises prices and takes away what allowed us to escape reality. It limits our access to the little information we have, hampers our studies, and separates us from our loved ones," he exclaimed.
He also publicly questioned when the excessive "resilience" of the Cuban people became normalized, as they are always expected to "endure more." Santana pointed out that ETECSA’s arbitrary actions are part of a pattern where laws and measures are imposed without prior announcement, expecting people to accept them meekly and without complaint.
"How many times are decisions made that affect millions? How many times are the regulations violated because nothing happens? We are not just numbers; we are students who need internet access for research and to submit assignments," he declared.
Demanding the reversal of the measures, Santana warned that "resilience" does not equate to "submission." Cuban students, he insisted, demand respect for the contract that ETECSA itself established. "We are not asking for charity," he concluded.
This past Thursday, the Faculty of Chemistry at UH publicly opposed ETECSA's decision. In an official statement, they warned that if the issue is not resolved before the end of the semester, they would progressively and actively utilize all available resources to demand genuine change.
This statement adds to an unusual atmosphere of unrest in Cuban universities, where ETECSA's price hike has sparked a movement of opposition among young people. They see internet access—an essential tool for studying, working, and communicating—becoming increasingly out of reach.
Impact of ETECSA Price Hike on Cuban Students
Why are Cuban students protesting against ETECSA?
Cuban students are protesting against ETECSA due to the recent price hike on mobile services, which they see as an attack on their ability to access essential internet services for studying, working, and staying connected with family and friends.
What actions have students taken in response to the ETECSA price increase?
Students have been vocal on social media, sharing videos and statements to express their dissatisfaction. The Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Havana has also issued an official statement demanding change and warning of further actions if the issue remains unresolved.
How has ETECSA justified the price increases?
ETECSA has not provided a clear justification for the price increases, which has added to the frustration and anger among the student population, as they feel blindsided by the sudden changes.