The Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) is set to roll out outgoing international roaming services for prepaid mobile phones starting March 1st, amidst an environment characterized by new dollar tariffs and growing dissatisfaction with service quality.
Since January, the state-run company has announced that users can purchase specific plans in USD through international distributors and offices transacting in that currency. This will allow customers to keep their Cuban lines active abroad, enabling them to make calls, send SMS, and use mobile data in countries with existing agreements.
Understanding International Roaming
International roaming is a service that allows clients to use their mobile lines outside their home country by connecting to foreign operators' networks. For Cubans, this means retaining their national number while traveling and paying ETECSA's established rates for calls, messages, and data usage abroad.
The service will be accessible in 174 countries, contingent on the availability of 2G, 3G, or 4G networks for calls, SMS, and data. Notably, the service activates automatically once the user's mobile phone is powered on in the destination country, provided it recognizes a network from a partnering operator.
New Tariffs Effective Since January
The service launch follows the implementation of Resolution 48/2025 by the Ministry of Communications, effective January 29, enacted in October and published in the Official Gazette in December. This regulation allows ETECSA to charge up to 3.00 dollars per minute for calls—whether made or received—1.00 dollar per sent SMS, and 1.00 dollar per megabyte of data used while roaming, under a prepaid model.
While the resolution permits lower pricing with ministerial approval, the maximum tariffs are already in place and expressed in U.S. dollars. This occurs against a backdrop of significant emigration and a pressing need for ongoing communication with family both inside and outside the island.
Frustration Over Pricing and Service Quality
The introduction of this service coincides with numerous user complaints about unreliable mobile data connections, outages linked to power cuts, and challenges in claiming compensation. On social media, many customers have criticized repetitive responses to fault reports and the disparity between currency-based recharges and what they perceive as inadequate service.
In a nation where the average salary in Cuban pesos barely covers basic expenses, paying up to 3.00 dollars per minute for calls could equate to several days' worth of income.
FAQs About ETECSA's Roaming Service
What is the cost of using ETECSA's roaming service?
ETECSA's roaming service can cost up to 3.00 dollars per minute for calls, 1.00 dollar per SMS sent, and 1.00 dollar per megabyte of data consumed.
How is the roaming service activated?
The roaming service is automatically activated when the user turns on their mobile phone in the destination country, provided the device recognizes a network from a partner operator.
Why are users unhappy with ETECSA's service?
Users have expressed dissatisfaction due to poor mobile data connectivity, interruptions caused by power outages, and difficulties in obtaining compensation, especially given the high costs in relation to local incomes.