Cuban broadcaster and presenter Laritza Camacho launched a scathing critique against ETECSA on Facebook, responding harshly to a promotion by the state-run telecommunications monopoly that promises "unlimited data" linked to international top-ups.
Camacho expressed her disdain by stating, "The truth is, ETECSA knows no bounds. It's shameful," and summed up her complaint with, "Don't promise what you can't deliver. Don't charge for services you don't provide."
The criticized promotion, which was available from June 12 to June 14, offered sixfold credit and 30 days of "unlimited data" for international top-ups ranging from 600 to 1,250 Cuban pesos.
Hidden Restrictions and Public Outrage
However, what ETECSA's promotional materials failed to highlight is that Internet access under this offer is restricted to nighttime hours: from midnight to 7:00 am.
Additionally, the offer only applies to top-ups made from abroad, excluding the majority of Cubans who do not receive remittances.
Using her signature ironic and popular tone, Camacho employed colloquial expressions to expose the gap between ETECSA's promises and the actual service provided.
"Don't sell me opera if you're going to give me a neighborhood act. You need more than a touch of respect for that. They can't keep 'bluffing' with their faces and peacock feathers," she remarked.
Camacho concluded her post with a sarcastic jab: "ETECSA... feeding the world with lines."
Ongoing Public Dissatisfaction
Camacho's critique is not an isolated incident.
Since ETECSA implemented a significant rate hike on May 30, 2025, which limited Cuban peso top-ups to 360 CUP monthly and dollarized data plans, the company has faced continuous public outrage.
In the 46 days following the price increase, ETECSA amassed over $24,839,000—approximately $540,000 daily—without any improvement in service quality.
Camacho had previously questioned the rationale behind such policies: "If they don't show efficiency, how can they demand sacrifice?"
Challenges Persist in 2026
The situation in 2026 remains bleak. Cuba reports an Internet speed of merely 7.21 Mbps, ranking last in Latin America according to the global Speedtest index.
A power outage in March 2026 caused a 65% drop in Internet traffic on the island, and it took 29 hours to restore service.
The company itself admitted that its backup batteries only allow for a few hours of operation during power outages.
Despite these challenges, ETECSA boasted this week about being recognized as a "champion" in its category at the 2026 World Summit on the Information Society Awards, with the final winner to be announced in July.
Camacho, one of the most followed critical voices on social networks, has consistently highlighted the regime's failures in services, energy, and civil liberties.
With ETECSA's monopoly concession extended until 2036, Cubans are left with no alternatives to a service that charges like an opera but delivers like a neighborhood act.
Understanding ETECSA's Controversial Promotions
What was the main issue with ETECSA's unlimited data promotion?
The promotion offered "unlimited data" but was misleading because it only allowed Internet access during nighttime hours, from midnight to 7:00 am, and applied only to international top-ups.
Why has ETECSA faced continuous public outrage?
ETECSA has been criticized for raising rates and dollarizing data plans without improving service quality, resulting in widespread public dissatisfaction.
How did Laritza Camacho express her criticism of ETECSA?
Laritza Camacho used social media to criticize ETECSA's misleading promotions, using irony and colloquial expressions to highlight the gap between promised and actual services.