In a recent announcement, Cuba's state-run telecommunications company, ETECSA, revealed that more than 45,000 students have activated their mobile lines to access the company's so-called sector-specific plan. This information was shared via ETECSA's social media platforms. "Mobile lines for over 45,000 students have been activated to purchase their sector-specific plan," ETECSA posted on X.
The company highlighted that the activation process is "essential" for incorporating more young people into this initiative. However, many have criticized it as an attempt to placate students, who have been the most vocal against the steep price hikes imposed by Cuba's telecom monopoly.
The activation process is primarily conducted through university centers, requiring students to be of legal age, approved by their institution, and holders of the mobile line. For those who do not have the line registered in their name, a mechanism for transferring or changing ownership has been established, which can be managed at the universities or commercial offices.
Following the widespread backlash against the new tariffs introduced by ETECSA on May 30, the state company is trying to quell criticisms, especially among university students, with recently announced measures on the official program Mesa Redonda.
ETECSA's president, Tania Velázquez Rodríguez, announced that as part of a strategy targeting specific groups, university students will have the option to purchase a second 6 GB mobile data package, in addition to the one they can already buy with the 360 CUP allocated monthly. In total, this group can access 12 GB per month for a cost of 720 CUP, a price still considered high by many, given the low student and family incomes.
Additionally, ETECSA has assured that its representatives are present at the universities to facilitate the process, presenting it as a response to "engagement with young people." Despite this, many users argue that it does not address the underlying issue: the high cost of mobile services in a country where connectivity remains a privilege.
After ETECSA's tariff hike announcement in May 2025, university students from various faculties across Cuba expressed their dissatisfaction with the new internet access conditions. One of the first organized responses emerged at CUJAE, where a group of students demanded real and more inclusive alternatives from the company for mobile data access, arguing that the current plans were unsustainable for the university community.
Their demands ranged from differentiated packages to subsidy mechanisms tailored to the economic realities of young people. Students publicly challenged the state company during an assembly, marking the beginning of a national reaction. Soon after, the discontent spread to other institutions, including the University of Havana. In the Faculty of Mathematics and Computing, students argued that the solutions offered were not viable, pointing out that the authorities failed to consult with them before implementing the new model.
In their discussions, they advocated for fair connectivity and proposed several measures to offset the high service costs. In the same climate of discontent, tensions escalated in the Faculty of Humanities, where students even demanded the resignation of the FEU president, accusing him of failing to adequately represent the student community's interests.
This action highlighted a breakdown in the legitimacy of traditional representation channels, paving the way for new forms of internal organization within the universities. The growing pressure led to more organized mobilization efforts, such as an academic strike initiated again from the Mathematics faculty, although the measure was eventually called off by the students themselves after internal negotiations.
Despite the strike not materializing, this episode reinforced the collective message of dissatisfaction, demonstrating young people's willingness to defend their rights through direct action.
The process continued with a national FEU meeting with ETECSA, where students submitted 40 specific proposals.
Key Questions About ETECSA's Student Plan
What is ETECSA's sector-specific plan for students?
ETECSA's sector-specific plan for students is a program that allows university students to activate their mobile lines to purchase additional data packages at a reduced rate, aiming to improve internet access for this group.
Why have students criticized ETECSA's new tariffs?
Students have criticized ETECSA's new tariffs because they are considered too high, making mobile services unaffordable for many, especially given the low incomes of students and their families in Cuba.
How did students respond to the new internet access conditions?
Students responded to the new internet access conditions by organizing protests and demanding more inclusive and sustainable alternatives, including differentiated packages and subsidy mechanisms.