FEU Forms "Multidisciplinary" Group to Tackle ETECSA's Price Hike

In an effort to create the appearance of dialogue between university students and officials from Cuba's Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University of Havana (CUJAE) has established a "Multidisciplinary Group." This group, consisting of 30 students from various universities across the nation, aims to address the widespread discontent caused by ETECSA's recent price hike, a move opposed by many. This initiative was reported by the state-run Radio Rebelde, which seeks to convey that young people's concerns are being taken seriously.

The group's responsibilities include engaging with the state-run company's executives, evaluating the newly imposed commercial strategies, offering proposals, and exploring "future collaborations" that could benefit the university community. This formation was a direct response to the rising dissatisfaction among students, who have taken to social media to protest the exorbitant internet costs in a country where online access remains a luxury rather than a right.

During the event, Litza González Desdín, the national vice president of the University Student Federation (FEU), stated that the group's establishment was a result of students' demands to be heard. She emphasized the organization's continued dedication to "the paths of the revolution." Despite the formal speeches and orchestrated enthusiasm, ETECSA has made it clear that there will be no rollback on their pricing, asserting that current rates align with their economic model.

The company has shut down any possibility of significant reviews, justifying the hikes with operational costs and the alleged necessity of "sustainability." Consequently, these initiatives are often seen as symbolic gestures, simulating participation without real influence. The creation of advisory committees or groups is a common strategy within the Cuban state apparatus to diffuse social pressure without altering power structures or existing decisions.

Meanwhile, thousands of students continue to rely on international top-ups, personal savings, or family favors to stay connected for studying, research, or even accessing basic services. The government's response, rather than implementing concrete changes, is to form working groups without guarantees, transparency, or verifiable outcomes. The "multidisciplinary" group is scheduled to meet with ETECSA soon, with "results" from this encounter expected to be announced in a few weeks. Whether these outcomes will be more than ignored suggestions or hollow promises remains to be seen, but for now, the price hike persists, along with the public outrage.

The same FEU that now promotes "dialogue" with ETECSA recently supported the price hike without reservation through its president, Ricardo Rodríguez, aligning with the regime's official stance. It is challenging to believe in genuine negotiations when those representing students have already applauded the measure before discussions even began.

However, following the national FEU president's endorsement of ETECSA's pricing policy, public controversy has continued to grow, leading to a massive wave of citizen indignation on social media. Another example of FEU's alignment with the regime was when, faced with increasing student unrest over ETECSA's price hike, the organization at Central University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas (UCLV) issued a statement prioritizing "maintaining tranquility" on campus, clearly indicating their role is to suppress protests rather than represent them.