In Cuba, the importation of satellite internet stations, such as those offered by Starlink, is officially prohibited. According to Resolution 272/2015 by the Ministry of Communications, bringing "earth stations and satellite communication terminals for transmitting and receiving" into the country — including equipment like Starlink — requires a special permit, which is rarely granted. Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story: some Cubans are accessing this service that, officially, shouldn't be operational on the island.
Although Starlink's website lists Cuba as an area without coverage—alongside Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Belize—residents on the island have managed to set up and use this equipment for months. An investigation by elTOQUE uncovered over a dozen Starlink equipment sale ads in Cuban Facebook groups, and more than 60 similar offers on the sales platform Revolico.
The independent media outlet contacted seven sellers who claimed to have clients on the island, stating that the service works if devices are activated from a third country. These sellers' phone numbers are registered with U.S., Mexico, Paraguay, and even Cuban prefixes. The oldest ad dates back to September 2024, indicating that this practice has been ongoing for at least half a year.
The High Cost of Access
The prices of these devices on the Cuban black market range from $1,300 to $1,800, amounts equating to over 500,000 Cuban pesos (CUP) based on the current informal exchange rate. Outside Cuba, prices are significantly lower. In Spain, for instance, a Starlink mini costs around 279 euros, and a V3 is about 340 euros. In the United States, depending on the model, prices range from $300 to $600.
In addition to the equipment cost, sellers include charges for installation, configuration, and delivery to provinces. Shipments are mainly concentrated in Havana, although they can reach other regions for additional fees ranging from $15 to $300, depending on the distance.
One interviewed merchant explained that part of the added cost is due to the risk of bringing equipment into the country without the necessary permits. According to current regulations, importing satellite dishes, satellite reception equipment, or satellite Internet transmission terminals requires authorization from the Ministry of Communications, a feat few accomplish.
Despite this, the technology continues to enter through informal channels. It remains unclear how customs controls are bypassed, but clandestine trade networks appear well-organized.
How Starlink Operates in Cuba
Once the equipment arrives and is installed without issues, activating the service requires an international bank card. Vendors recommend Starlink's roaming plan, costing about $165 monthly if contracted from the United States. Activating from other countries like Mexico or Paraguay could be cheaper, although some claim connectivity is more stable with U.S. activation.
Doug Madory, an Internet routing specialist and director of analysis at Kentik, confirmed to elTOQUE that using Starlink in Cuba is technically feasible if activated outside national territory. For now, Starlink does not block connections from the island, although the company has warned that it might deactivate users in countries where the service is unauthorized, a measure not yet enforced.
A Challenge to ETECSA's Monopoly
Beyond costs and legal risks, those installing Starlink in Cuba face government scrutiny. According to elTOQUE, there are reports of police surveillance in provinces like Cienfuegos, where some users and technicians have been targeted by State Security operations.
Despite this, the devices are primarily used by private businesses and entrepreneurs needing faster and more stable connections than those offered by ETECSA. Starlink provides significantly higher speeds than the state network. Vendors report the V4 mini version reaching between 100 and 300 Mbps, while the V3 ranges from 200 to 400 Mbps. These figures starkly contrast with ETECSA’s average fixed broadband speed of 3 Mbps, placing Cuba at the bottom of global connection speed rankings, according to Ookla.
A Potential Game-Changer for Internet Access
Although Starlink's current service on the island only provides fixed internet, the company plans to launch its Direct to Cell (DTC) technology in the United States in 2025, enabling mobile phones to connect directly to Musk's satellites without ground towers. Should this happen, and if permitted by the entrepreneur, this mode may revolutionize internet options for Cuba.
Interest in alternative technologies has grown alongside the political use of connectivity on the island. Following the July 2021 protests, the Cuban government has restricted internet access during occasional anti-government demonstrations. Starlink represents an opening to free internet in a country where censorship and slow connections still dictate the norm. However, the high cost and the challenge of defying the ban on its use remain significant deterrents.
Starlink: The World's Largest Satellite Constellation
Starlink describes itself as "the world's first and largest satellite constellation." Currently, Elon Musk's network consists of about 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, offering connection speeds ranging from 50 to 200 megabytes per second (Mbps), far exceeding averages in countries like Cuba. SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, plans to double this number in the coming months, potentially making it the private company or space agency with the most operational objects in space.
FAQs about Starlink in Cuba
Is it legal to use Starlink in Cuba?
No, the importation and use of satellite internet stations like Starlink are officially prohibited without a special permit from the Cuban Ministry of Communications.
How are Starlink devices being brought into Cuba?
Devices are entering through informal channels and clandestine networks, though the exact methods of bypassing customs controls are not clear.
What are the costs associated with using Starlink in Cuba?
Prices on the black market range from $1,300 to $1,800, with additional charges for installation and delivery. Monthly service plans cost about $165 if activated from the United States.