On Sunday, while countless Cubans continue to deal with disrupted landline services and the lingering fear from a recent false seismic alarm caused by ETECSA technicians, the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM) took a moment to post a celebratory note on Facebook. The post highlighted a day of landscaping and cleanup at the Communications Park in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución municipality.
The event was organized in honor of the 66th Anniversary of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), established on August 23, 1960, by Vilma Espín Guillois. A photo showed approximately thirty individuals, armed with brooms and rakes, posing under a lush tree to declare, as per the official statement, that "the Communications sector remains loyal to the Revolution's ideals."
Theatrics and Patriotism at MINCOM's Event
Using the usual rhetoric, the ministry described the scene: "New generations participated with enthusiasm, showcasing that the spirit of dedication and sacrifice that inspired Vilma, Celia, Melba, Haydee, Mariana, and Teté, lives on in the Cuban youth, ensuring historical continuity." The statement continued, "With discipline and a sense of belonging, participants confirmed that voluntary work is a reflection of patriotism and social responsibility." Enthusiasm, discipline, patriotism. All seemingly in order—except for the state of communications.
Communication Mishaps and Delays
Just five days prior to this event, on Tuesday, August 18, ETECSA specialists mistakenly triggered the emergency messaging system during network tests, causing a false seismic alert that incited panic across Cuba. In cities like Ciego de Ávila, elderly and sick people descended numerous flights of stairs on foot. A user who identified as a cardiac patient and hypertensive described it as "an error that almost cost me my life."
It took ETECSA three days to acknowledge their fault, only doing so after Google publicly denied any involvement. The company eventually admitted that "the messages were sent due to a technical-human error, generated by our specialists conducting tests on the telecommunications network." As one internet user aptly noted, "If Google hadn't denied it, you would have continued lying, claiming it was Google's fault."
System Failures and Public Frustration
Shortly before the voluntary work day, on Friday, August 21, the National Seismological Research Center reported a real earthquake of magnitude 3.6 in Santiago de Cuba. Several users commented on the ineffectiveness of ETECSA's alert system this time. "It shook in Santiago, but the alert didn’t work. Another failure," one user remarked. The system, capable of causing panic with imaginary earthquakes, was unable to alert about a real one.
ETECSA's track record leaves little room for optimism. On August 17, an optical fiber cut disrupted Nauta's payment system, affecting recharges and balance transfers. In May 2026, Cuba recorded a median download speed of only 7.21 Mbps, placing it last in Latin America according to the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla.
This occurred a year after ETECSA implemented a controversial tariff change, further dollarizing internet access and capping national recharges to the main prepaid mobile balance at 360 CUP every 30 days. Within the first 46 days of these changes, the company reported earnings exceeding $24.8 million, as stated by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero to the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, severe infrastructure issues persisted: by June 2025, the official newspaper Granma reported over 25,000 interrupted landline services, with 24% out of service for more than six months.
Residents from La Víbora, Cerro, Luyanó, Matanzas, Mayabeque, and other areas reported being without landline service for several months to over two years, yet continued receiving bills. "I've had a broken landline for three years, but I still pay the bill every month," a Havana resident shared. Another responded simply to an ETECSA post: "What phone service, what even is that?"
Comedian Ulises Toirac bluntly addressed ETECSA in an open letter published in early August: "Plant some trees on the towers, expand real capacities. Invest in my life, because you can't collect debts with just a gun, my dear!"
Meanwhile, the MINCOM celebrates with brooms, patriotic hashtags, and tributes to Fidel and Raúl. The communications, however, remain on hold.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Communications
What caused the recent panic over a false seismic alarm in Cuba?
The panic was caused by a false seismic alarm that was mistakenly activated by ETECSA technicians during a network test, leading to widespread fear across the country.
How has ETECSA addressed the issues with their alert system?
ETECSA took three days to acknowledge the error, admitting that it was a technical-human mistake, and only did so after Google clarified they were not involved.
What ongoing communication problems are Cubans facing?
Many Cubans are facing long-term issues such as disrupted landline services, slow internet speeds, and inadequate infrastructure, all while still receiving billing charges.