In a move that sparked more sarcasm than celebration, ETECSA has set up a new WiFi hotspot in a park in Nueva Gerona, located on the Isle of Youth. Many Cubans questioned the practicality of needing to visit a public space to access the internet amidst frequent power outages, security concerns, coverage issues, and a declining service quality.
"What a fantastic announcement. At this rate, the entire island might have WiFi by 2080," quipped one user in response to the news.
The state-run company announced last Thursday on Facebook the establishment of this new wireless access point at the park near the roundabout of 41st Street, between 30th and 32nd Streets, in Nueva Gerona.
Public Reaction and Criticism
According to ETECSA's Territorial Division, the project is intended to broaden "internet connectivity options for the island's residents." The announcement featured images of the park and a user accessing the network. However, the majority of the comments focused on the absurdity of presenting park-based internet access as progress in this day and age.
"Going to a park to connect is so outdated," remarked one Cuban woman, who also voiced concerns about the safety of individuals using their phones in the area.
"With the streets being so unsafe, why would I risk going to a place where 'thieves' know everyone has a phone and might be distracted?" she wrote.
Logistical Challenges and Customer Frustrations
Others pointed out a more fundamental issue: how to keep the new WiFi zone operational during the island's frequent and lengthy blackouts.
"There's no fuel to keep it running! They should relocate the ones without energy backup to a data center with a generator," one commenter suggested.
Complaints also came from customers already paying for Nauta Hogar, frustrated that they cannot reliably use the service they’ve subscribed to.
"Meanwhile, those of us paying for home service still can't enjoy it," lamented another user.
Many echoed this sentiment with a touch of sarcasm: "What a great achievement! [...] Ideally, everyone should have access from their home."
Wider Connectivity Issues
These grievances extended to other areas on the Isle of Youth where connectivity problems persist.
"They install in Gerona, uninstall in Ciego," noted one user, while others questioned ETECSA on when the service in La Fe would improve.
Even the conditions of the park itself drew comments. "Where do people sit? The park looks like it doesn't have a single bench," observed one person after seeing the photos shared by the company.
The criticisms come amid ongoing challenges facing Cuba's telecommunications infrastructure. ETECSA itself acknowledged in June that blackouts have rendered 47.5% of its mobile base stations and 56.5% of the country's telecommunications cabinets inoperative.
This announcement also follows shortly after the same Territorial Division of the Isle of Youth displayed ETECSA workers participating in defense drills with rifles, prompting numerous calls for the company to prioritize improving connection quality. Once again, the unveiling of a new WiFi zone has sparked the familiar demand from users: instead of new public access points, they want to consistently use the telecommunications services they already pay for.
FAQs on ETECSA's New WiFi Zone in Cuba
Why are Cubans skeptical about the new WiFi hotspot?
Cubans are skeptical because they see the need to visit a park to access the internet as outdated and impractical, especially given the frequent power outages and safety concerns in public spaces.
What are the main criticisms of ETECSA's recent announcement?
The main criticisms include the impracticality of public WiFi during blackouts, safety concerns, and the frustration of customers who pay for home internet services that they cannot fully utilize.
How has ETECSA responded to infrastructure challenges?
ETECSA admitted that power outages have severely impacted its infrastructure, with a significant percentage of mobile and telecom cabinets out of service, yet the company's actions have not adequately addressed these issues according to public opinion.