Cuba’s Digital Divide Deepens: How Etecsa’s Dollarization Fuels Inequality and Activism

Imagine a world where accessing information, communicating with loved ones, and participating in the global economy hinges on your access to US dollars. For a growing number of Cubans, this isn’t a dystopian future – it’s the reality imposed by Etecsa’s recent decision to prioritize dollar-denominated internet access. This isn’t simply a price hike; it’s a fundamental shift that’s sparking outrage, fueling digital activism, and threatening to exacerbate the already significant economic disparities on the island.

The Dollarization of Connectivity: A Breaking Point

Etecsa, Cuba’s state-owned telecommunications monopoly, recently implemented a policy drastically limiting access to affordable internet for citizens using Cuban pesos (CUP). While a meager 360 CUP (roughly equivalent to a basic 6GB package) remains available for monthly recharges in national currency, accessing larger data packages – or any meaningful level of connectivity – now requires payment in US dollars. Packages range from 4GB for $10 to 16GB for $35, a price point inaccessible to the vast majority of Cubans whose incomes are tied to the devalued CUP. This move, ostensibly justified by the need to “sustain and develop the network,” is widely seen as a cynical attempt to capture scarce hard currency, regardless of the social cost.

“They are believed that Miami’s ‘mafia’ will run to recharge the lines in Cuba just because you say it. You will see that you will shit it again,” commented one Cuban citizen online, reflecting the widespread skepticism towards Etecsa’s rationale. The company has a long history of failing to reinvest profits from international recharges into infrastructure improvements, leading many to believe this dollarization is simply a revenue grab.

A Wave of Protest: From Digital Boycotts to Forced Exile

The response to Etecsa’s policy has been swift and vocal. Lawyer Manuel Viera publicly declared he would refuse any recharges from abroad, stating on Facebook, “I will not accept that they put a fucking weight in my name to Etecsa. I want Etecsa to die of hunger even if I never use a cell phone.” He labeled Etecsa an “antipueblo” (anti-people) company operating within an “antipueblo” economy, designed to serve only those with access to dollars. This sentiment is echoed by many, who view the policy as a form of economic blackmail and social exclusion.

Art critic Jorge de Mello announced his forced “retirement” from social networks, unable to afford the new prices. He condemned the policy as “digital jineterism” – a reference to the informal economy where Cubans rely on remittances – and lamented a “general blackout of justice and moral.” His decision highlights the broader impact on Cuban civil society, as access to information and platforms for expression are increasingly restricted.

The Diaspora’s Dilemma: A Call for Economic Pressure

The outrage extends beyond the island, with Cubans in exile grappling with the ethical implications of continuing to send recharges. Activist Saily González Velázquez has proposed a “total break” of recharges as a form of protest, arguing that remittances are being exploited to prop up a repressive regime. “They extort us with combos to eat, hotels for walking and now mobile data to communicate. It is enough,” she stated, emphasizing the escalating financial burden placed on the diaspora. González clarified that the goal isn’t to cut off humanitarian aid, but to directly pressure the government by depriving it of a crucial source of revenue.

This call for a boycott raises complex questions about the role of remittances in sustaining Cuban families. However, the argument is gaining traction, with many recognizing that continued financial support, without systemic change, may inadvertently perpetuate the status quo.

The Widening Gap: Digital Apartheid in Cuba

The consequences of Etecsa’s policy are far-reaching. Internet access in Cuba has become a luxury, reserved for those who receive remittances or have access to international cards. The new prices – 3GB for 3,360 CUP or 15GB for 11,760 CUP – represent up to four times the average monthly salary, effectively excluding millions from participating in the digital world. This isn’t merely an economic issue; it’s a matter of fundamental rights.

Limiting internet access restricts access to information, hinders digital work opportunities, and stifles education. It creates a two-tiered society where connectivity is a privilege, not a right. As one Cuban citizen pointed out, “The only thing they are doing is making more difference between Cuban society, the new rich are those who have family abroad or the few who have access to USD.”

The Rise of VPNs and Circumvention Tools

In response to increasing censorship and restricted access, there’s a growing demand for VPNs and other circumvention tools. While these tools offer a temporary workaround, they are often expensive, technically challenging for the average user, and subject to government interference. The reliance on such tools underscores the desperation for uncensored information and the lengths Cubans are willing to go to access it.

Future Trends and Implications

Etecsa’s dollarization is likely a harbinger of things to come. As Cuba’s economic crisis deepens, the government may increasingly rely on dollarization to address its financial woes, extending this practice to other essential services. This could lead to a further erosion of the CUP and a deepening of the economic divide. We can anticipate:

• Increased reliance on remittances: The diaspora will become even more critical for sustaining Cuban households, but also face greater ethical dilemmas.
• Growth of the informal economy: As access to formal economic opportunities diminishes, the informal sector will likely expand, further complicating the economic landscape.
• Escalating social unrest: The growing frustration with economic hardship and limited freedoms could lead to increased protests and social instability.
• Innovation in circumvention technologies: Cubans will continue to seek out and develop innovative ways to bypass censorship and access information.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Digital Freedom in Cuba?

The situation in Cuba highlights the critical link between economic freedom and digital freedom. When access to information and communication is restricted based on economic status, it undermines democratic principles and perpetuates inequality. The international community must pay close attention to these developments and advocate for policies that promote universal access to the internet and protect the rights of Cuban citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Etecsa decide to dollarize its internet services?
A: Etecsa claims the dollarization is necessary to sustain and develop its network, but critics argue it’s a move to capture scarce hard currency and exacerbate economic inequalities.

Q: How does this affect Cubans who only have national currency?
A: Cubans with only CUP face severely limited internet access, with a basic 6GB package being the only affordable option. This restricts their access to information, communication, and economic opportunities.

Q: Is there any way to bypass these restrictions?
A: VPNs and other circumvention tools can provide temporary access, but they are often expensive, technically challenging, and subject to government interference.

Q: What can the Cuban diaspora do to help?
A: The diaspora is grappling with the ethical implications of sending recharges. Some advocate for a boycott to pressure the regime, while others continue to send aid to support their families.

The future of digital access in Cuba hangs in the balance. Will the government prioritize economic control over the fundamental rights of its citizens? Or will the growing wave of activism and the pressure from the international community lead to a more equitable and open digital landscape? The answer to that question will shape the future of Cuba for generations to come.

What are your predictions for the future of internet access in Cuba? Share your thoughts in the comments below!