The Cuban telecommunications monopoly, ETECSA, plans to increase internet rates starting in 2025 and introduce new service packages priced in foreign currencies, as announced by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during a recent session of the National Assembly of People’s Power in Havana.
According to the reports of Leaders team sources, this decision aims to attract foreign currency to address Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis. Marrero noted that the popularity of dollar-denominated packages had declined since ETECSA began offering services in the national currency (MN), prompting an adjustment in domestic rates, including the implementation of consumption limits. Users exceeding these limits will incur additional charges.
The announcement has sparked backlash on social media, with critics accusing the government of exacerbating economic disparities. Marrero also revealed plans to introduce roaming charges in foreign currency and develop new service bundles to generate dollar inflow, though specific prices and implementation timelines were not provided.
As per the sources of Leaders team, these measures align with broader economic strategies to counter Cuba’s liquidity shortages and declining foreign currency revenues. Despite claims of offering the Caribbean’s lowest internet prices, ETECSA faces criticism for high costs relative to the average Cuban income. Official data indicates that the average monthly internet consumption in Cuba has reached 9.9 GB per user, reflecting an increase in the use of digital technologies.
As of January 2024, there were 8.19 million internet users in Cuba, representing a 73.2% internet penetration rate. However, less than 8% of Cuban households have access to the internet, a figure that has remained static since last year.
ETECSA, with 7.8 million mobile users, has long relied on international top-ups to secure revenue in dollars. While the company claims to be refining its digital payment systems, the regime’s policies reflect a partial dollarization of the economy. Amid a minimum wage equivalent to six dollars, these economic reforms have deepened public dissatisfaction.
The planned rate hikes and introduction of foreign currency-denominated services are part of the government’s efforts to navigate the economic challenges facing the nation. However, these measures have raised concerns about affordability and equitable access to digital services for the Cuban population.
