{"id":324084,"date":"2025-06-08T18:56:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-08T22:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oncubanews.com\/en\/?p=324084"},"modified":"2025-06-08T18:56:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-08T22:56:46","slug":"etecsa-defends-its-measures-and-recommends-surfing-the-web-at-dawn-while-complaints-continue-at-universities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oncubanews.com\/en\/cuba\/economy\/etecsa-defends-its-measures-and-recommends-surfing-the-web-at-dawn-while-complaints-continue-at-universities\/","title":{"rendered":"ETECSA defends its measures and recommends surfing the web at dawn, while complaints continue at universities"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/span>Cuban Telecommunications Enterprise (ETECSA)<\/b><\/a> once again defended the measures announced last May 30, amid a wave of criticism and complaints against them throughout the country and particularly at Cuban universities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although ETECSA officials assure they remain open to debate and maintain the promise of implementing a more affordable intermediate package than the prohibitive extra plans already in effect, this Wednesday they insisted on the need for the company to implement the unpopular rate increase.<\/span><\/p>\n

During a new broadcast of the Mesa Redonda TV program dedicated to the current issue on the island, representatives of the state-owned monopoly reiterated the complex situation it faces, with an infrastructure with problems, a sharp drop in revenue and high debt, among other difficulties.<\/span><\/p>\n

Faced with this critical scenario, and after evaluations, proposals, and discussions with the country\u2019s \u201chighest leadership level,\u201d the enterprise finally decided to launch the new rates, its commercial vice president, Lidia Esther Hidalgo Rodr\u00edguez, explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe developed alternatives and conducted an ongoing study to make sure there was no other way to recover the necessary financing. Costs are still present and high, and we are committed to continuing to transform and guarantee a level of access,\u201d she <\/span>stated<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite numerous criticisms of the restriction on national refills to just 360 pesos (CUP) in a month \u2014 with the <\/span>exception so far<\/b><\/a> for university students, who can double that amount \u2014 and the limited data offers that can be purchased with that money, Hidalgo Rodr\u00edguez maintained that this \u201cguarantees access for all Cubans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe reiterate that today they can access the internet with an average of 6GB per month, with no purchase limit. This way, the most vulnerable people we mentioned are covered with a base price of 360 pesos. With this amount, retirees and people receiving assistance can purchase the service,\u201d she defended what has already been implemented.<\/span><\/p>\n

She even went so far as to say that \u201cit is not mandatory to purchase 6G or 360 pesos,\u201d as \u201cyou can opt\u201d for smaller packages. \u201cInternet usage needs are very specific. Not everyone uses services in the same way or uses the same applications,\u201d she explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

ETECSA apologizes, but the \u201crate increase\u201d remains<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n