The Cuban telecommunications giant, Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA), has detailed the criteria necessary for university students to obtain their latest exclusive data plans. Announced via social media on Friday, the communication monopoly clarified that students looking to purchase the 6 GB package for 360 CUP must be at least 18 years old, have approval from their educational institution, and be the registered owner of the mobile line.
For those whose mobile lines are not registered in their names, ETECSA stated that a "Change of Ownership or Assignment" must be conducted either at the educational center or at ETECSA's commercial offices. To facilitate these processes, students must present their identity card and a photo or letter from the current line owner when changing ownership. For assignment, five frequently contacted numbers must be provided.
Background on New Data Offers
On Thursday, ETECSA had already announced that as of June 20, two new data plans would become available: a 2 GB package for 1,200 CUP for the general public and a 6 GB option for 360 CUP reserved for university students. Company officials, during a press briefing, attributed these new offerings to the significant backlash they received after implementing previous commercial policies. ETECSA insisted it is striving to provide more affordable options within the country's current economic constraints.
The company is also collaborating with universities to update the ownership records of mobile lines that students have been using since they were minors, originally registered under their parents or other relatives. ETECSA management emphasized that they are exploring solutions for other social sectors with connectivity needs, though every new decision must be carefully considered to avoid impacting the gradual recovery process they claim to be undertaking.
Public Outcry Over Pricing
This new student-exclusive offer follows intense criticism directed at ETECSA for capping refills in Cuban pesos (CUP) to a maximum of 360 CUP every 30 days as part of a broader strategy to "develop and sustain the telecommunications service network." The public has reacted with outrage, labeling the measures as a "tarifazo" or "abuse." Many Cubans argue that the newly imposed rates are prohibitively high, especially for those without access to foreign currency, thereby exacerbating inequities in internet access.
In response to these protests, ETECSA introduced a separate 2 GB data plan priced at 1,200 Cuban pesos, available once per month with a 35-day validity. Despite this, many Cubans voiced their dissatisfaction on social media, criticizing the limited data volume and high cost in a context where the average monthly salary barely exceeds 4,000 CUP.
Understanding ETECSA's Data Plans for Students
What are the requirements for students to obtain the 6 GB data plan?
Students must be at least 18 years old, have approval from their educational institution, and be the registered owner of the mobile line. If the mobile line is not in their name, they must complete a "Change of Ownership or Assignment" process.
How has the public responded to ETECSA's new data plans?
The public has expressed significant dissatisfaction, criticizing the plans as overly expensive and inaccessible, especially for those without foreign currency, and as deepening inequities in connectivity access.
What solutions is ETECSA exploring for other social groups?
ETECSA is considering solutions for other social sectors with connectivity demands, but any new initiatives must be carefully evaluated to avoid disrupting their claimed gradual recovery process.