A recent Facebook post by ETECSA_Cuba Granma has sparked outrage and criticism among users after the state-run company announced the awarding of a mobile phone to a customer. This comes at a time when high prices, limited services, and significant inequalities in telecom access are plaguing Cuba.
According to the official post, customer 2512 was the lucky recipient of an ETECSA prize. The shared images revealed the prize to be a Samsung Galaxy A22 phone. A congratulatory message accompanied the post, signed by “the team at Granma.”
The winner, identified as Lucrecia Milan Valera in the comments, responded to the backlash by denying any familial or friendly ties to the company and asserted that she was unaware she would receive such a gift.
“I have no friends or family there... I didn’t know that gift was coming to me, I received it with great joy,” she wrote, also explaining that the top-up associated with the prize coincided with the date 12/25.
Criticism Over Inequality and Misplaced Priorities
Despite the winner's explanation, many users questioned the purpose of the contest and ETECSA's apparent disconnect from the reality faced by most of its customers.
One comment labeled the initiative “a slap in the face,” highlighting the social inequality prevalent in the country.
Others criticized that instead of “padding” those who already have access to external top-ups, the company should focus on improving service quality, expanding mobile data access, and addressing basic issues like the lack of replacement lines in a country where thousands lose their phones to theft or deterioration without any means of recovery.
A Bitter Gift Amidst Growing Discontent
The controversy underscores the growing public discontent with business practices that, according to users, favor those receiving foreign currency, while the majority of the population grapples with insufficient wages, limited connectivity, and prohibitive prices.
Many on social media agreed that ETECSA's “gift” comes at the worst possible time, as the company is increasingly viewed as a business reliant on international top-ups rather than a public service accessible to all Cubans.
Understanding the Telecom Disparity in Cuba
Why are Cubans upset about ETECSA's gift?
Cubans are frustrated because the gift highlights the social inequality in telecom access, where only a few benefit while many face limited services and high costs.
What issues are ETECSA customers facing?
Customers are dealing with poor service quality, limited mobile data access, high prices, and lack of replacement lines for lost or stolen phones.
How does ETECSA's business model affect Cuban citizens?
The model seems to prioritize international top-ups over providing affordable, reliable service to all Cubans, exacerbating economic and digital divides.