Clash of Perspectives: Cuban University Students Take on ETECSA – Insights from Havana Times

Last week, ETECSA, Cuba’s state-owned telecom company, announced steep increases in mobile service rates. This change comes as a shock to many, given that it makes communication nearly impossible for most Cubans.

Many students are speaking up against these hikes. In an unusual move, six faculties from the University Student Federation openly criticized the new rates. They stress how these changes limit access to essential information and education. In a post-COVID world, where online access is vital, this decision raises serious concerns.

Initially, students protested, but now the movement has gained momentum. More faculties are joining in. With the new limitations, students struggle to complete their degrees. Each student can now only top up their mobile account with 360 Cuban pesos (CUP) per month, which allows for just 6 gigabytes (GB) of data.

To put things into perspective, ETECSA’s 15 GB plan costs over 11,760 CUP, more than twice the average monthly salary. They also offer data packages priced in dollars—out of reach for many Cubans. The high costs are drawing heavy criticism. ETECSA even rolled out a promotion for Father’s Day, priced at $65.99 for a 1,500 CUP recharge, which left many feeling exploited. Critics argue that such emotional occasions should not be used to push costly services.

Tania Velazquez Rodriguez, ETECSA’s president, attributed the price hikes to a lack of foreign currency. But many find it hard to accept this excuse, especially considering ETECSA’s monopoly. In most countries, companies like this thrive and innovate. Yet, in Cuba, where ETECSA has no competition, service remains inadequate. Frequent power outages make connectivity a nightmare. It’s not just about pricing; it’s also about service quality.

In an unprecedented move, law students from the University of Holguín filed a legal complaint against ETECSA. They claimed the company breached contract terms and demanded transparency and solutions for connectivity issues. This action reflects a new type of legal activism in Cuba. It’s about using the legal system to challenge unfair practices—something that could intimidate authorities.

Authorities have hinted they might introduce a middle-ground rate for extra data, but so far, it remains just a promise. If the issue isn’t resolved soon, it could escalate beyond telecom. People may start protesting over basic needs like food, transportation, and healthcare, pointing to the broader failures of state management.

The push from students could open doors to larger conversations about rights and services in Cuba. If this rate hike is allowed to stand, it could set a dangerous precedent, possibly leading other utilities to increase their charges as well.

This situation illustrates the broader struggles many face in Cuba. As one expert noted, “Access to communication is a fundamental right. When that’s restricted, it impacts every aspect of life.” If ETECSA truly wants to improve, it should invest in infrastructure rather than focus on profit.

For a deeper look at the implications of this situation in Cuba, you can check out reports from trusted sources like [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com) and [Havana Times](https://havanatimes.org).

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