Repeated acts of vandalism against ETECSA's communication towers in Santiago de Cuba have been highlighted on social media by a company employee. The worker warned about disruptions to internet and mobile phone services and criticized the lack of effective measures to hold those responsible accountable.
In a post, Luis Enrique Torres Almarales recounted an incident in the town of San Vicente, near the National Highway, where equipment for a communication tower, which was about to become operational, was destroyed. The perpetrators attempted to steal battery banks, and when they were unsuccessful, they took rectifiers and damaged the power cables.
Torres Almarales emphasized that the equipment was a high-value imported asset, difficult to replace quickly, forcing the allocation of resources initially intended for other projects. He lamented that such acts are "deliberate sabotage" aimed at undermining the economy and society from within.
Pattern of Vandalism
According to Torres Almarales, these are not isolated incidents. The communication tower in the José Martí district has been vandalized six times, while the one at the Antonio Maceo Sports Complex in the Sueño district has faced five attacks, including fiber optic cuts and power cable damage.
He argued that the perpetrators operate with impunity and called for exemplary punishments. The employee urged law enforcement, government officials, and the public to engage in safeguarding telecommunications as a common asset. He also requested increased surveillance and patrols, noting that ETECSA workers are not security guards, but rather focus on network maintenance, not theft prevention.
Infrastructure Vulnerabilities Exposed
In Santiago de Cuba, the vandalism of mobile phone towers has revealed significant weaknesses in ETECSA's infrastructure. Systematic thefts of batteries, rectifiers, and essential materials have disrupted connectivity for entire communities. Authorities have warned that these actions could result in up to 15 years in prison under the new Penal Code, which categorizes them as sabotage.
The issue extends beyond Santiago. In Holguín, fuel theft from an ETECSA generator forced the cancellation of urgent repairs at an external plant. The company publicly condemned the incident and highlighted the growing impact of such actions on service delivery.
Government's Tough Stance
Amid this situation, the regime has intensified its approach to crimes related to telecommunications infrastructure. Fraud against ETECSA is now being treated as sabotage due to its destabilizing potential, including technological manipulations, illegal access, and resale of services. This reclassification results in harsher penalties and a narrative of internal threat used by the government to justify increased control over networks.
The punitive measures have also been extended to other critical sectors. Crimes against railways and energy networks are facing stricter punishments as part of a comprehensive policy to protect essential infrastructure. The government frames these offenses within a national security discourse, though critics argue that such measures are a smokescreen to mask the regime's neglect and inadequate maintenance.
Impacts of Vandalism on Cuban Telecommunications
What are the consequences of vandalism on ETECSA's infrastructure?
The vandalism has led to significant disruptions in internet and mobile services, impacting entire communities and revealing vulnerabilities in ETECSA's infrastructure.
How is the Cuban government responding to these acts of sabotage?
The government has announced harsher penalties for acts categorized as sabotage, including up to 15 years in prison, and has intensified control over telecommunications networks.
What other sectors are affected by similar crimes in Cuba?
In addition to telecommunications, crimes against railways and energy networks are also facing increased penalties as part of efforts to protect critical infrastructure.