University of Oriente Art History Students Stand Against ETECSA’s Price Hike: ‘We Deserve More Than Just Crumbs!’

Art History students at the Universidad de Oriente recently voiced strong opposition to new measures by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA). They claim that these changes benefit only a small group and undermine their right to communication.

In a statement shared on social media, over half of the students declared their solidarity with peers from other universities who are protesting against what they see as a monopolistic approach to communication in Cuba. The students criticized the restricted access to national top-ups, describing it as "an outrage." They emphasized that the alternatives ETECSA offers, like certain Wi-Fi and data packages, only serve a privileged few.

“This is an attack on our right to communicate. We won’t settle for crumbs,” they stated, calling for the repeal of the new measures. They expressed a desire for all students to have equal access to resources without facing barriers that foster inequality.

The students issued an ultimatum to ETECSA, demanding a satisfactory response by June 13, 2025. If their demands are ignored, they plan to join a university strike led by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Havana. They argue that the recent price hikes on digital services are prohibitive, restricting their academic and professional activities.

Many students depend on mobile data for their studies, accessing vital resources online, as physical library holdings are often outdated. A recent survey hinted that students consume more than 8 GB of data monthly, indicating the necessity of affordable data access to support their studies. With costs skyrocketing, many feel their education is being jeopardized.

In this fight against rising costs and limited access, students are not just protesting for themselves; they see this as a broader issue of social justice. The movement has spread quickly across campuses, with various faculties joining in. They demand fairer rates and equitable access to communication technologies.

It’s essential to note that these challenges aren’t new. Past student movements in Cuba often emerged in response to perceived injustices. This current wave of protests mirrors earlier efforts for equality, suggesting a long-held belief in the power of student voices.

In summary, the students of the Universidad de Oriente are not simply protesting a price hike; they are advocating for their right to education and communication in an increasingly challenging environment. As they unify across universities, they hope to amplify their voices in this critical conversation about access and equality in Cuba’s digital landscape.

For more insights and updates on the situation, you can refer to resources from Cuban independent journalists and academic studies on the impact of digital technology on education in the region.

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News from Cuba, Protests in Cuba, ETECSA, Internet Access in Cuba, Telecommunications Company of Cuba, Cuban Students, Media, Eastern Cuba, Prices in Cuba, Cuban Universities