The president of the Telecommunications company of Cuba (Etecsa), Tania Velázquez, stated on Thursday that the recent increase in telephone rates is already yielding positive financial outcomes, By increasing the revenue “quickly”, while the refusal by citizens and the university community grows. The rate hike has been met with considerable opposition from the public and academic institutions.

During a recent appearance on the official podcast from the Presidency, hosted by the head of state Miguel Díaz-Canel, Velázquez noted that “the modeling we made were made” and that Etecsa managed to “increase the income flows very quickly,” directly referencing the new tariffs imposed on telephone and internet services on the island.

Despite widespread social disapproval, which has led to protests, Student strikes and criticisms from academic circles such as the University of Havana, the state-owned company continues to defend its decision.

Velázquez also mentioned that ther are still “a group of steps that we must take to the extent possible,” without clarifying whether these steps involve further rate increases or service adjustments.

These statements underscore that The government focuses on the profitability of the telecommunications sector as a source of profit, even amidst a deep economic crisis, limited connectivity, and unequal digital access between rural and urban areas.

Concerns Over Potential System Failure

“certain faults have occurred in this infrastructure that are leading us to a path […] In which we have glimpsed that a generalized foul could exist at some time.”

Similarly, Velázquez provided for a possible “generalized foul” of the national telecommunications system. She warned, “Certain faults have occurred in this infrastructure that are leading us to a path […] in which we have glimpsed that a generalized foul could exist at some time.”

According to the official, the consequences of this potential failure would mean “that we cannot make telephone calls, which we cannot send messages, which we cannot reach our centers of study or work […]” she described a scenario involving a near-total collapse of the island’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Student Protests and Demands

The podcast appearance on Thursday,june 5th,occurred during an Indefinite academic strike led by university students,in particular of the University of Havana.

The student movement is advocating not only for equitable connectivity for students but also for genuine access for all Cubans.

The government’s response has been to call for “Closing the ranks” against what it describes as a “Media war” waged by “enemies of the system.”

The students are now require the resignation of the National President of the Feu, Ricardo Rodríguez González, accusing him of failing to represent student interests.