Cuba's Power Crisis Triggers Communication Breakdown: Citizens Urged to Switch to 2G

The Cuban government's responses to the ongoing power crisis are becoming increasingly convoluted. As the nation's communication systems falter, citizens are now advised to configure their phones to 2G in a bid to maintain contact and utilize the payment platform Transfermóvil.

The state-run newspaper, Sierra Maestra, reported via Facebook that most of ETECSA's radio bases lack power backup, leading to outages during blackouts. The few operational stations are overwhelmed by high demand, leaving many without access to calls, messages, or the internet. This collapse also affects Transfermóvil, a crucial tool in a cash-strapped country.

Numerous users have encountered the error message "Connection error or incorrect MMI," hindering their ability to use the service. As a temporary fix, officials are urging Cubans to connect solely to the 2G network, which, while more stable under these conditions, does not support internet access.

Public Outcry Over Telecom Mismanagement

As the energy crisis deepens, authorities continue to propose short-term solutions that underscore the country's deteriorating infrastructure. Users have expressed frustration in the comments section, criticizing the management of ETECSA, Cuba's sole telecommunications provider. Despite charging foreign currency for international top-ups, the company often blames its inefficiency on a lack of funds.

Eduardo Mariño del Pino questioned, "Does ETECSA lack money? Reveal how many top-ups are received monthly, not just from abroad but all of them. Mathematics is straightforward."

Rafael Guzmán added, "They even talked about raising internet tariffs. With the poor service we already had, the blackouts make it worse."

Voices of Concern and Criticism

Raúl J Aguilar Ricardo highlighted, "And demonstrating 'Yes, we can'? All they come up with is to regress. Suggesting 2G is simply going back to the 90s. Or perhaps they want to 'accustom' the people to not having internet access? Just something to consider."

Mariano Arturo Ochoa Poveda clarified, "Please get informed correctly. 2G does allow internet use. Its speed is more suited for text messaging. Transfermóvil doesn't need the internet for payments, but businesses need it to confirm payments from the Bulevar platform."

He also criticized, "When discussing banking, they only 'turn' towards the bank. But training should span multiple areas, including the press."

ETECSA's Future Plans Amidst Crisis

Gisela Mancebo Guerra pointed out, "Many of us have lost the package we purchase that expires monthly due to this connection issue, which is money, and in the end, they don't even extend the time or compensate for the loss. You always end up losing despite paying. ETECSA's connection and service are inadequate."

Despite the country's ongoing energy and telecommunications turmoil, last December, the regime announced plans to increase internet tariffs starting in 2025 and introduce new packages and services in foreign currency. This announcement was made by the regime's Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, during a session of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) in Havana.

In January, ETECSA confirmed a plan to implement charges for its services in foreign currency. During a press conference, Tania Velázquez, the entity's executive president, revealed that foreign currency revenue accounts for only 10% of total income. Despite this, prices have remained static, forcing the company to maintain the network and settle international debts.