The Cuban government has issued a fresh warning against the use of Starlink satellite internet dishes following the seizure of around twenty of these devices at the José Martí International Airport in Havana. The equipment, originating from the United States and sold on the Revolico platform for up to $2000, was labeled a threat to the sovereignty of the radio spectrum and a violation of current national laws.
Wiliam Pérez González, the First Deputy Chief of the General Customs of the Republic, shared via his official account on social media platform X that the shipment was an attempt to smuggle the devices into the country, in breach of regulations set by the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM). "Cuban Customs blocks the illegal entry of 20 Starlink satellite devices on a flight from the U.S. at Havana airport, violating existing regulations and standards," he stated, as reported by the state-run newspaper Granma.
Starlink, a high-speed satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk's U.S.-based company SpaceX, uses a low-orbit infrastructure to provide connectivity in remote areas without relying on terrestrial networks. This presents a direct alternative to the state telecom monopoly, Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA).
In response, the Cuban regime has ramped up its rhetoric against the import and use of such equipment, branding them as illegal and "dangerous" for controlling the radio spectrum. Carlos Prieto de la Lastra, General Director of the Technical Unit for Radio Spectrum Control, told the official press that "no individual or entity can install a transmitting station without the appropriate license issued by the government of the country that the station depends on."
He further clarified that while Starlink terminals offer low-cost connectivity in hard-to-reach areas, they are not authorized for use in Cuba due to the lack of international agreements with SpaceX and the absence of licenses from MINCOM.
The official stance remains firm that the importation of devices like Starlink, antennas, and signal repeaters—some of which are sold on platforms like Revolico—constitutes a breach of telecommunications regulations and the Cuban Penal Code. Many believe the regime simply does not want Cubans to access an internet service beyond its control.
Understanding Starlink Restrictions in Cuba
Why is Starlink considered a threat by the Cuban government?
The Cuban government views Starlink as a threat because it bypasses the state-controlled telecommunications network, potentially undermining their control over information and communication within the country.
What are the legal implications of using Starlink in Cuba?
Using Starlink in Cuba is considered illegal under current national laws. Without proper licenses from the Ministry of Communications, individuals and entities cannot legally operate such devices, risking penalties under the Cuban Penal Code.
Is there any legal way to use Starlink in Cuba?
Currently, there is no legal framework in place that allows the use of Starlink in Cuba, as there are no international agreements or licenses granted by the Cuban government to SpaceX.