The Cuban telecommunications monopoly, ETECSA, has refuted circulating rumors about potential internet disruptions due to maintenance activities scheduled for Thursday, July 11. This date marks the third anniversary of the historic protests against the island's regime.
Through a post on Facebook, the state-owned company dismissed claims of issues with its platform and urged users to check their official website or other institutional profiles for any official information. However, history shows that the communist regime often manipulates such commemorations to silence those who speak out against the situation in Cuba.
It's worth noting that in the days leading up to the May Day parade in 2024, there were reports of internet service disruptions affecting independent Cuban journalists. From the afternoon of April 30, at least five reporters from Cubanet, including Osniel Carmona Breijo, Anay Remón, Vladimir Turró, Enrique Díaz, and Alejandro Hernández Cepero, reported partial or total suspension of their internet connections.
This is not a new phenomenon. The regime consistently interrupts service to independent journalists, harasses them at their homes, and even detains them in police stations during significant events or dates to prevent them from reporting what is happening in Cuba. These actions highlight the ongoing repression against the independent press while also showcasing the resilience and fight for freedom of expression on the island.
Despite the poor service provided to its users, ETECSA recently claimed that its internet service is the cheapest in the entire Caribbean. According to Lidia Esther Hidalgo Rodríguez, the company's vice president of commercial operations, this fact can be substantiated using the parameters of the informal exchange rate: "One gigabyte of mobile data amounts to $0.17," she stated to the official newspaper Granma.
Questions About ETECSA's Internet Service and Maintenance
Here we address some common questions regarding ETECSA's internet service and the claims about maintenance disruptions.
Is ETECSA planning any internet maintenance on July 11?
No, ETECSA has denied any planned internet maintenance on July 11 and stated that any circulating information claiming otherwise is false.
Why do internet disruptions occur around significant dates in Cuba?
Internet disruptions often occur around significant dates due to the regime's attempts to silence independent journalists and prevent them from reporting on events and protests.
How does ETECSA compare in terms of internet pricing in the Caribbean?
ETECSA claims that its internet service is the cheapest in the Caribbean, citing that one gigabyte of mobile data costs $0.17 based on informal exchange rates.