Cuban customs officials have confiscated a total of 85 routers at Havana's "José Martí" International Airport, as part of an ongoing crackdown on antennas and signal repeaters that Cubans use to access the internet through alternative means. William Pérez González, deputy head of Cuba’s General Customs, announced on the social media platform X this Thursday that these devices were being brought into the country "illegally" and the sheer number signaled an intent to commercialize them.
Pérez González emphasized that such actions violate "the current regulations and standards," stating, "These quantities reveal intentions of illegal activity." Without delving into specifics, he mentioned that those involved faced "the measures prescribed for such cases."
Earlier this week, the General Customs of the Republic also thwarted an attempt to smuggle 20 Starlink satellite devices through Havana's José Martí International Airport. Pérez González noted that these devices arrived on a flight from the United States. While details about those responsible or the intended destination of the satellite equipment have not been disclosed, authorities hinted at possible sanctions.
Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by U.S.-based SpaceX, allows users to connect from remote areas without relying on traditional ground infrastructure. In Cuba, its potential offers a way to bypass the tightly controlled connection provided solely by ETECSA, sparking regime opposition due to strict censorship and restricted access to the internet.
This Wednesday, the Cuban regime issued warnings against the illegal use of internet antennas, repeaters, and the much-feared Starlink, which threatens ETECSA's monopoly on the island. The regime claims that using Starlink and other unauthorized devices interferes with the signal of radio bases, impacting the quality of phone and mobile network services in the country. However, this stance is also driven by political and economic control interests.
Key Questions on Cuban Customs and Internet Restrictions
Why did Cuban customs seize 85 routers at Havana airport?
Cuban customs seized the routers as they were being brought into the country illegally, with the intent to commercialize them, which violates Cuba's current regulations.
What is the significance of Starlink in Cuba?
Starlink offers a satellite internet service that allows users to connect from remote areas, bypassing the controlled connection offered by ETECSA, thus challenging the regime's control over internet access.
How does the Cuban regime justify its crackdown on internet devices?
The regime argues that unauthorized devices like Starlink interfere with signal quality for phone and mobile networks, although this also aligns with their political and economic control motives.