Students from the Faculty of Art of Audiovisual Media Communication (FAMCA) at the University of the Arts (ISA) have opted out of participating in the so-called "multidisciplinary group" organized by the national Federation of University Students (FEU) and ETECSA to address the backlash against the recent price hikes. In a public statement shared on their student-managed Instagram page, they outlined several reasons for their withdrawal.
One major concern is that meetings will be held on ETECSA premises, adhering to the company’s conditions. The students argue that the exclusion of professors and external professionals and the focus on strengthening business ties rather than addressing accountability issues is problematic. "A plan has been imposed that excludes large segments of the population," they stated.
FAMCA students also deem the formation of such a group "unacceptable" unless the unilaterally imposed measures are at least temporarily revoked. "We will only acknowledge a commission organized by students, professors, and civil society experts to evaluate the responsibilities of the authorities involved in the tariff increase implemented on May 30, 2025," they declared emphatically.
The statement also highlights the pressure exerted by State Security agents on several students, which they say underscores the aggressive stance of authorities against a peaceful student movement seeking dialogue. To protect their safety, students targeted by State Security have decided to withdraw from activism.
The students emphasize that the statement results from collective deliberation and will not pursue independent actions as a faculty until a consensus is reached across universities. "We reiterate our condemnation of the aggressive and indifferent stance taken by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) and State Security against respectful dissent and call for university and civil integration in these demands affecting the entire Cuban populace," they concluded.
Efforts to Create a Multidisciplinary Group
The statement from FAMCA comes in response to another attempt to simulate dialogue between university students and the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA). The Havana Technological University "José Antonio Echeverría" (CUJAE) hosted the creation of a "Multidisciplinary Group" composed of 30 students from various universities.
This initiative aims to project the illusion of listening to young people's concerns following widespread opposition to the recent tariff increases by ETECSA. Official media reports suggest the group will engage in exchanges with state company executives, analyze new commercial policies, propose ideas, and seek "future collaborations" to benefit the university community.
Previous Declaration from FAMCA
Last week, FAMCA students reiterated their disapproval of the new tariffs imposed by the state-run company and demanded public accountability from Ricardo Rodríguez, the national president of the FEU. In an open letter, they recounted a meeting on June 4 with ETECSA executives, the Ministry of Higher Education (MES), and representatives from ISA and FEU, addressing grievances over the abrupt mobile data price hikes, known as "the tariff increase."
Despite technical explanations from ETECSA officials—who acknowledged communication errors, the company's financial crisis, and potential solutions under consideration—students expressed significant dissatisfaction. "The new package prices severely limit our capabilities as creators and place us at a disadvantage globally in our professional field," they stated.
FAMCA students emphasize that their academic and professional activities heavily rely on handling large volumes of audiovisual materials. The increased cost of digital services, they assert, has drastically impacted their daily and professional lives.
Implications of the ETECSA Tariff Increase
Why did FAMCA students refuse to join the multidisciplinary group?
FAMCA students refused because the group sessions are to be held on ETECSA premises and follow the company's conditions, excluding external professionals and focusing on corporate benefits rather than accountability.
What were the concerns of FAMCA students regarding the new ETECSA tariffs?
The students are concerned that the increased prices severely restrict their ability to engage in creating and exchanging large volumes of audiovisual materials, which is crucial for their academic and professional work.
What actions have FAMCA students taken in response to the tariff hikes?
FAMCA students issued a public statement rejecting the multidisciplinary group and calling for a commission involving students, professors, and civil society to address the tariff increase's responsibilities.