Fact Check: Etecsa, Cuba’s State-Owned Communications Monopoly, Recently Increased Prices for Its Mobile Data Without Giving Notice
What We Know
Etecsa, the only telecommunications company in Cuba, announced new pricing measures for mobile data on May 30, 2025. These changes included a significant increase in the cost of mobile data plans, with reports indicating that prices for additional data could reach as high as 3,360 pesos (approximately $9), which is over half the average monthly wage of 5,839 pesos in Cuba (source-1). The announcement was made during a session of the National Assembly in December 2023, but the specifics of the price increases were not clearly communicated to the public prior to their implementation (source-2).
The new pricing structure has led to widespread criticism from the public, who feel that the increases were abrupt and lacked adequate notice. Many users are now considering reverting to older methods of communication, such as using public Wi-Fi hotspots or SMS, due to the unaffordability of mobile data (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that Etecsa increased prices for mobile data without giving notice is partially true. While the company did announce changes in December 2023, the specific details regarding the price increases were not effectively communicated to the general public until the implementation date in May 2025. This lack of clear communication has been criticized as a failure in the company's strategy to inform users adequately (source-1, source-3).
Moreover, the government's response to the backlash included a partial rollback of the price hikes, indicating that the initial implementation did not align with public expectations or the economic realities faced by many Cubans (source-1). This suggests that while there was an announcement of changes, the execution and communication of these changes were poorly handled, leading to the perception that the price increases were sudden and without notice.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that Etecsa increased prices for its mobile data without giving notice is Partially True. The company did announce upcoming changes in December 2023, but the specific details regarding the price hikes were not adequately communicated to the public until they took effect in May 2025. This resulted in significant public outcry and confusion, highlighting a failure in the company's communication strategy.
Sources
- Cuba partially rolls back internet rate hike as anger grows
- ETECSA implements new measures starting today: top-ups ...
- Officials: Cubans will have to return to Wi-Fi parks and ...
- Cuba telecom firm hikes prices, cites debt – yet military owner has millions of dollars
- What Changes with the New Internet Rates in Cuba?
- Etecsa's Phone and Internet Rate Hikes, the 'Tarifazo', ...
- Cuba's students call for resignations and strikes after brutal ...