In an ongoing effort to prevent Cubans from accessing the internet through alternative means and to maintain the state-run ETECSA's (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A.) monopoly over communications on the island, the Cuban regime has recently thwarted an attempt to bring in 20 Starlink satellite devices through Havana's José Martí International Airport. This operation was carried out by the General Customs of the Republic.
The announcement came from Wiliam Pérez González, the first deputy chief of the General Customs of the Republic, who shared on his official account on X that these devices arrived on a flight from the United States, violating "the country's current regulations and standards." "Cuba's customs prevents the illegal entry of 20 Starlink satellite devices on a flight from the U.S. through Havana airport, violating national regulations and standards. Established rigorous measures were applied," the official stated.
While details regarding those responsible for the attempt or the intended destination of the devices were not disclosed, authorities emphasized that the stipulated penalties for such infractions were enforced. Starlink, an internet service developed by the American company SpaceX, enables users to connect from remote areas without relying on traditional terrestrial infrastructure.
In Cuba, its potential offers a way to bypass ETECSA's exclusive control over internet connections, leading to opposition from the regime, which imposes strict restrictions on free and uncensored access to the web. On Wednesday, the Cuban government issued a warning against the illegal use of internet antennas, repeaters, and even Elon Musk’s dreaded Starlink—considered a satellite heresy—that threatens ETECSA’s monopoly on the island.
The state-run newspaper Granma published an article stating that the entry of such equipment into the country—many of which are sold on the Revolico platform—constitutes "violations" that "compromise the quality and sovereignty of the radioelectric spectrum" and "have judicial repercussions as outlined in the Penal Code."
"The use of antennas and signal repeaters that have been illegally imported and sold to improve coverage in a restricted area negatively impacts the quality of communication services, causing approximately 6% of cells nationwide to experience interference," the regime noted.
Understanding Cuba's Internet Restrictions and Starlink
What is Starlink, and why is it a concern for the Cuban government?
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, providing connectivity in remote areas without traditional infrastructure. The Cuban government sees it as a threat because it allows users to bypass state-controlled internet access, undermining the monopoly held by ETECSA.
What regulations does Cuba have in place regarding internet equipment?
Cuba has strict regulations against the import and use of unauthorized internet equipment, including antennas and repeaters, as they can interfere with the national radioelectric spectrum and are seen as a violation of the country's sovereignty and quality of communication services.
How does the Cuban regime enforce these internet restrictions?
The Cuban regime enforces these restrictions through customs checks and legal penalties as dictated by the Penal Code, aiming to prevent unauthorized internet access and maintain control over communications.