The Cuban Telecommunications Company, known as ETECSA, has informed the public about upcoming disruptions in both mobile and landline services scheduled for Tuesday, September 23. These interruptions will occur between midnight and 6:00 AM, due to planned maintenance activities on the platforms supporting some of these services, as detailed in a statement from the state-run monopoly.
Maintenance efforts will primarily target mobile services with numbers starting with 505, 506, 507, 508, 53, 54, and 63, which may experience interruptions during the technical procedures. Similarly, landline customers in certain regions may also be affected. These include Pinar del Río (4821XXXX, 4847XXXX, 4860XXXX, 4861XXXX, 4881XXXX, 4888XXXX, 4899XXXX), Havana (7224XXXX, 7226XXXX, 7229XXXX, 7624XXXX, 7724XXXX, 7725XXXX, 7826XXXX), Ciego de Ávila (3337XXXX, 3338XXXX, 3340XXXX, 3341XXXX, 3398XXXX), Granma (2321XXXX), and Santiago de Cuba (2279XXXX).
ETECSA clarified that this service disruption continues the "technical actions" initiated on August 29, as part of their technological modernization strategy to enhance the telecommunications infrastructure. The company expresses gratitude for the public's understanding and encourages customers to stay informed via its social media channels, official website, and other media outlets.
Modernization Efforts and Economic Challenges
This announcement follows less than three months after ETECSA's Executive President, Tania Velázquez, defended a significant price hike in phone and internet services, labeling it a necessary measure to maintain the company's technological infrastructure. "ETECSA's systems are in a precarious state. We need foreign currency," she justified at the time.
Velázquez argued that the country lacks the resources to sustain current services, let alone make advancements. "We're not even discussing development; we're talking about maintaining existing services," she stated amidst public discontent.
Despite the official narrative, recent figures challenge the government's claims. According to Prime Minister Manuel Marrero in the National Assembly, ETECSA amassed over $24 million within just 46 days following the price increase, averaging more than half a million dollars daily. However, these earnings, while substantial, fall short of previous levels before the rate hike, indicating that the increased tariffs have neither ensured the promised "development" nor resolved the ongoing service interruptions and customer dissatisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions about ETECSA Service Interruptions
Why is ETECSA conducting maintenance at night?
ETECSA schedules maintenance during nighttime hours to minimize the impact on users, as fewer people are using the services during these hours.
Which areas are most affected by the service disruptions?
The disruptions will primarily affect mobile numbers starting with 505, 506, 507, 508, 53, 54, and 63, and landline numbers in Pinar del Río, Havana, Ciego de Ávila, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba.
How much revenue did ETECSA generate after the tariff increase?
ETECSA generated over $24 million in just 46 days following the tariff increase, averaging more than half a million dollars daily.