The state-owned telecommunications company in Cuba, ETECSA, recently announced a new international top-up promotion, raising the minimum requirement to 600 CUP. This move sparked widespread outrage among Cuban social media users. The promotion, which runs from August 11 to 16, offers 25 GB for all networks, plus unlimited data between midnight and 7:00 a.m., valid for 35 days. To qualify, users must receive an international top-up between 600 and 1,250 CUP, according to the company's official announcement on their website and Facebook page.
The decision led to a flood of criticism. "They increased the top-ups. Wasn't it from 500 CUP?" questioned Ernesto Almaguer Díaz, while Yasmanis Vázquez Rodríguez called the decision "an insult to the people." Mini Forever sarcastically commented, “What summer?... More cynical, impossible.” Meanwhile, Mily Rodríguez asked, “Changed to 600? Is this for real?” and Yisel Piñero lamented, “Not only did they raise it to 600, but they don't even put it in the main balance.”
Complaints centered around poor service quality, frequent power outages, and unreliable connections. “What’s the point of a promotion if I spend more time without electricity than the natives?” commented Odlanier Ruiz Montes. Gizeh Subirós Carbonell reported being unable to connect despite receiving unlimited data.
Criticism toward ETECSA has been harsh, with Luis Enrique Fernández Palmero accusing the company of exploitation: “How shameless can they be? How far will they go, robbing and mistreating the people they’re supposed to serve as a 'socialist company'?” Gisela Gómez Rosales declared, “You are a bunch of cynics,” while Eros Alejandro Martínez Rodríguez suggested ETECSA deserves a “Guinness Prize for generating the most discontent and negative comments among its customers.”
Despite continuous user complaints about high prices and poor service quality, ETECSA persists in altering its offers without showing visible improvements in network infrastructure or stability.
Controversy and Financial Gains
ETECSA has been mired in controversy in recent months, implementing measures that have driven up service costs and limited user options. It was recently disclosed that the company amassed over $24 million in just 46 days by increasing the minimum for international top-ups, causing unrest among Cubans at home and abroad.
The company has attempted to justify its high rates by citing substantial losses due to top-up fraud and even touted the dismantling of an illegal network operating with national balance through external platforms as a success.
However, independent analysts have criticized the official narrative, suggesting it conceals the gradual dollarization of services and the political manipulation of telecommunications. Additionally, ETECSA reported a significant drop in revenue per mobile line, from $133 annually in 2018 to just $31 in 2024, highlighting a loss of competitiveness not reflected in actual user improvements.
Despite these figures, the allocation of funds remains unclear, with no visible investment in infrastructure or service quality. Users have voiced their anger over what they perceive as an abusive and exclusionary policy. Measures such as capping national top-ups at 360 CUP every 30 days, alongside international top-ups using an artificial exchange rate for the dollar below 25 Cuban pesos, are viewed as strategies to force remittance sending in foreign currencies.
Understanding ETECSA's Controversial Moves
Why did ETECSA raise the minimum top-up requirement?
ETECSA increased the minimum top-up to 600 CUP as part of a new international promotion, although this decision has been met with significant criticism from users.
What benefits does the new top-up promotion offer?
The promotion offers 25 GB for all networks and unlimited data between midnight and 7:00 a.m., valid for 35 days, for top-ups between 600 and 1,250 CUP.
How have users reacted to ETECSA's new policy?
Users have expressed outrage, criticizing the rise in costs and poor service quality, with many viewing the move as exploitative.