Amid reports of new Internet outages in Cuba, the Minister of Communications of Cuba “stands out” regarding the number of people connected on the island.
During the opening of the XIX International Computer Convention and Fair 2024 in Havana, the head of the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM), Mayra Arevich Marín, reported that more than 7 million Cubans use cell phones and around 6 million are connected to the internet via mobile data.
Data consumption and silence on the Arimao cable
According to reported state media Cubasí, Arevich also mentioned that the average monthly data consumption in Cuba is 7.7 gigabytes, something that has been “boosted by the installation of the second Arimao fiber optic cable.”
However, many Cubans complain that the installation of this cable — regarding which there is much media silence — has not translated into a notable improvement in the Internet connection on the island.
Drop in traffic following the protests of March 17
His statements come at a time when thousands of Cubans report the impossibility of accessing the Internet.
On March 17, following the anti-government protests in Santiago de Cuba, a five hour drop in internet traffic to Cuba. Doug Madory, director of Internet Analysis, mentioned it on the social network X.
Etecsa, the only telecommunications company in Cuba and under state control, has not issued any official information in this regard.
Etecsa: silence in the face of complaints and international promotion
In the face of complaints from users regarding the effects of the service, Etecsa has limited itself to responding privately that “it has identified the difficulty” and that “its specialists are working to solve it in the shortest possible time.”
However, the company has not offered detailed explanations for the drop in traffic, although it has coincided with the “enjoyment” of two of its international promotions, which Cubans living abroad pay in foreign currency to be able to communicate with their relatives in the island.
Communication in Cuba: expectations and reality
In this context, Minister Arevich also stated at the Convention that the digital transformation in Cuba is aligned with the “principles of social justice defended by the Revolution.”
As he noted, his objective is to ensure an “inclusive and supportive society, made up of citizens with digital capabilities and without access gaps.” Oh really?
While the Cuban government assures that it is committed to digital transformation before delegates from Mexico, Colombia and Russia, the population continues to face an internet reality with limitations, deficiencies and blackouts.
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