Sybel Alonso Baldor, the Vice President of Network Operations at Cuba's Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), has asserted that the organization is working relentlessly to "overcome challenges" and provide connectivity. This comes amid growing public discontent over new policies that limit top-ups in Cuban pesos and expand dollar-based offers to raise foreign currency.
In a social media post on X, she stated, "Establishing international calls and mobile data in Cuba is a complex technical challenge. ETECSA tirelessly works to surpass these limitations and offer connectivity despite the difficulties!" Alonso described achieving international calls and mobile data for Cubans as a "complex technical challenge," thereby justifying the price increase that the communications monopoly in Cuba intends to employ to earn dollars.
Echoing other ETECSA executives, Alonso has emphasized the supposed "benefits" of the measure, which the regime's leadership defends as necessary. In other posts, she has praised the work of her boss, Tania Velázquez, and shared the company's latest promotion, which sparked outrage due to its high costs and restrictive conditions.
ETECSA has defended the increase in phone rates by citing the need to inject foreign currency into the company to maintain operations and address significant debts. Tania Velázquez, the company's president, mentioned that the rate hike would enable the "sustainability" of current services due to difficulties in importing technology and essential supplies. However, she revealed that they have averaged $31 per active phone line in Cuba. According to Velázquez, as of late 2024, there are about 8 million mobile lines in the country, generating $248 million annually.
The monopoly faces criticism over a lack of transparency and accountability regarding its substantial income. Many students and experts question how funds are managed and where revenues are directed, given the deterioration of services and the implementation of unpopular measures.
Despite the backlash, Tania Velázquez has made it clear that there will be no rollback on the tariff increases. According to Díaz-Canel, halting these measures would mean "forgoing income needed to maintain the service," warning that the country might face a "technological collapse" without implementing tough decisions.
FAQs on ETECSA's Connectivity Challenges and Rate Increases
Why is ETECSA increasing its phone rates?
ETECSA has stated that the increase in phone rates is necessary to bring in foreign currency to sustain operations and manage significant debts. The company faces challenges importing technology and essential supplies.
What are the criticisms faced by ETECSA?
ETECSA has been criticized for a lack of transparency and accountability in its financial management, particularly concerning the substantial revenue it generates. There are concerns over service deterioration and the implementation of unpopular measures.