The recent announcement by entrepreneur Elon Musk about providing free internet through Starlink to the people of Venezuela has sparked excitement and hope among thousands of Cubans. Both on and off the island, they have begun appealing to the tech tycoon for a similar gesture towards Cuba.
Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a U.S. military operation, Musk declared on his X account that Starlink would offer free connectivity throughout Venezuela for a month. This move aims to ensure access to free information during the country’s political transition.
"In support of the Venezuelan people," Musk wrote, accompanying his message with a Venezuelan flag. Hours later, the company confirmed the complimentary service would last until February 3, emphasizing that the initiative seeks to maintain "continuous connectivity for the Venezuelan people."
Desires for Change in Cuba: "When Will It Be Our Turn?"
On the CiberCuba News platform, where the article about Musk's gesture was shared, hundreds of Cubans expressed their wish for similar support to break the information censorship prevailing on the island.
"We need the same for Cuba while the current leaders are in power. It would be a crushing blow to the Party's control over communications," one user commented.
Others were more straightforward: "When's Cuba's turn?", "Do the same for Cuba, Elon," "We need free internet to tell our story here," or "Don't worry; when they capture Díaz-Canel, they'll do it in Cuba."
These reactions highlight a widespread sense of frustration. While Venezuelans celebrate potential access to an uncensored network, Cubans continue to struggle with the limited and expensive connectivity provided by the state monopoly Etecsa, which monitors communications and blocks independent news outlets, including CiberCuba.
The Stark Contrast: Venezuela vs. Cuba
Musk's initiative comes at a pivotal moment. Venezuela is entering a phase of political openness following Maduro's capture, whereas Cuba remains under an authoritarian regime that restricts basic rights such as free internet access and freedom of expression.
"They keep us in the dark, with no connection or right to information," lamented one user. Another wrote, "Wow, what envy. We have restricted internet from Etecsa, which is terrible and overpriced."
For many Cubans, having Starlink reach the island would be more than a technological upgrade; it would be a tool for freedom. "If Musk did the same in Cuba as in Venezuela, the regime would lose control in a matter of days," asserted another user.
Elon Musk has yet to respond to the numerous messages Cubans have posted on social media regarding this issue. However, the call is not just for a free service but for an opportunity to break the isolation imposed by the regime.
"This shows how hungry Cuba is for free information," commented one reader. "While Venezuela opens up access to the truth, we continue to pay dearly for silence."
Questions About Starlink and Internet Access in Cuba
Why are Cubans asking Elon Musk for Starlink services?
Cubans are requesting Starlink services to break the information censorship and limited connectivity enforced by the state monopoly Etecsa, similar to the temporary free service offered to Venezuela.
What impact could Starlink have on Cuba?
If Starlink were introduced in Cuba, it could significantly enhance freedom of information and reduce the regime's control over communications, providing Cubans with greater access to uncensored information.