Due to ongoing power outages, Cuba's Telecommunications Company S.A. (ETECSA) has been compelled to scale back its services and alter its public service operations nationwide. These actions are part of the strategies implemented to tackle the country's severe energy crisis.
The state-run newspaper Sierra Maestra, based in Santiago de Cuba, reported via Facebook that ETECSA outlined these adjustments as necessary to sustain communications under exceptional conditions and to focus on essential services for users.
While the company assured that commercial offices will remain open during their regular hours, it emphasized that during power cuts, only essential services such as incident reception, complaints, and claims management will be maintained. Any processes that require computer systems or connectivity will be suspended.
ETECSA explained that the primary goal of these measures is to keep communication channels active despite the energy challenges, ensuring the public's concerns are heard and recorded.
Regarding phone services, the entity highlighted that certain lines will operate on reduced schedules to conserve resources, while others will remain available 24/7, depending on the type of service provided.
These steps by Cuba's telecommunications monopoly are among various measures the regime has been forced to adopt due to the ongoing energy crisis affecting the nation.
On Monday, Cuba witnessed an almost complete halt in commercial air traffic over its airspace, a stark image that underscores the severity of the country's fuel crisis.
For instance, health sector leaders in Matanzas have announced an array of urgent measures to maintain medical services amidst the energy crisis and fuel shortage. These adjustments impact staff transportation, outpatient consultations, hospitalizations, and the care of patients requiring special services, as reported by the official newspaper Girón.
Data from Flightradar24 indicated that in the early hours of the day, only one commercial flight was departing the island, Copa Airlines flight CMP245, heading to Panama City.
Impact of Power Outages on Cuban Services
How has ETECSA adjusted its services due to power outages?
ETECSA has scaled back its services, ensuring only essential operations like incident reception and complaint management are maintained during power outages. Processes needing computer systems or connectivity have been suspended.
What are the broader impacts of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis has led to severe disruptions, including almost no commercial air traffic over Cuba and significant adjustments in sectors like health, affecting medical services and staff transport.