ETECSA Justifies New 2 GB Plan: “This is Our Current Offering”

The Cuban telecommunications company, ETECSA, revealed on Thursday two upcoming commercial plans set to begin on June 20: a 2 GB data plan for 1,200 CUP available to the general public, and a 6 GB plan for 360 CUP exclusively for university students.

Company executives explained, during a press briefing, that these new offers are a response to the backlash—and outright protests—following their previous commercial policies. ETECSA defended their efforts, stating they have made "the utmost effort possible" to present a more budget-friendly option amid the country's current challenges.

“We have managed to find a middle-ground solution for now... it’s what we can establish at this moment,” stated Yusmani Rojas Pérez, ETECSA’s Assistant Director of the Commercial Vice Presidency, during a report by the state-run Cuban Television.

The new 2 GB plan—which can be purchased once every 30 days and remains valid for 35 days—will be sold through Transfermóvil and the Online Services website, without affecting the main balance. Although its cost is lower than the 3 GB plan priced at 3,360 CUP, the company acknowledges it falls short of fulfilling many users' actual needs.

Nonetheless, ETECSA emphasized that this is an “intermediate value” aimed at aligning with the population's real capabilities without jeopardizing the financial stability of their operations. For students, a sector-specific 6 GB plan will be available for 360 CUP, accessible through digital channels, but only for those with mobile lines registered in their own names.

ETECSA announced it is collaborating with universities to update the ownership of lines many students use from their younger years, when they were registered under parents or guardians’ names. The company also addressed concerns about the sustainability of their services, noting that the increased revenue from prior measures might soon allow the resumption of some halted services, such as alternative fixed telephony, interruption repairs, and the Nauta Home service.

Executives noted ongoing efforts to find solutions for other social sectors with connectivity demands but cautioned that any new decisions must be thoroughly assessed to avoid compromising the gradual recovery process they claim to be undergoing.

During Wednesday's broadcast of the regime-backed program Hacemos Cuba, government spokesperson Humberto López condemned the sale of ETECSA balance by Cuban citizens, calling the practice “inadmissible” and warning that it will be prosecuted. López displayed social media posts of individuals offering mobile balance as part of schemes that, he claimed, quickly adapt following the implementation of new economic measures.

The program also highlighted an alleged network dedicated to defrauding ETECSA users. The ongoing investigation reportedly involves a Cuban resident in the United States with connections across several provinces, including Havana, Artemisa, and Holguín.

While authorities did not disclose the number of arrests, they reported seizing more than 40 million pesos in national currency during home searches in the capital, along with a satellite antenna, money counting machines, computers, magnetic cards, phones, and a vehicle.

Additionally, the Cuban regime has intensified its stance against international mobile top-ups made outside ETECSA’s official channels, warning that such actions could be classified as acts of sabotage.