Radio Ángulo, the provincial radio station in Holguín, disclosed on Thursday that it may face significant broadcasting challenges, potentially being on air for only a few hours or not at all. This is a direct result of the newly implemented power rotation schedules in the province.
The root of the issue lies in a technical mismatch: the station's headquarters is connected to circuit 2, while its transmitter, situated on Loma de la Cruz, belongs to circuit 1.
The power schedules for these circuits do not align, making it impossible to broadcast even when one location has electricity. Each circuit is supplied with electricity for just three hours within a twelve-hour span.
"Our station is on circuit 2, while the transmitter on Loma de la Cruz is on circuit 1. Due to the lack of synchronization in power schedules, our broadcasts may be interrupted. Electricity is available for only three hours in each twelve-hour period," the station stated in its announcement.
While the station has solar panels, their capacity of 2 kW is far below the station's actual power requirement of 15 kW. Moreover, this solar generation does not address the transmitter's power needs during outages, nor does it support internet broadcasting or server access.
"Even though Radio Ángulo is just a block away from the prioritized circuit in the city center, our station hasn't been included among the prioritized facilities," the statement added.
The listeners expressed outrage: "Unbelievable! If Manuel Angulo Farran were alive... Incomprehensible, terrible, incredible. Where are the leaders of this province? In case of a hurricane or earthquake... It's shocking to witness this," voiced one listener.
"It's absolutely unacceptable that the Provincial Radio Station, being so close to the island recently established in that area, has been excluded! This needs correction!" emphasized another resident.
This is not the first time Radio Ángulo has encountered such issues. Back in early 2026, blackouts already disrupted Radio Ángulo and other stations in Holguín when the deterioration of generator units at the Loma de la Cruz transmitter center forced RadioCuba to procure a 200-amp battery to revive the equipment.
The situation at Radio Ángulo reflects a broader pattern prevalent throughout the Island. Radio Victoria in Las Tunas has been unable to broadcast normally for over 35 days since August 24.
In May, the Boniato transmission center simultaneously cut off signals for various stations and channels in Santiago de Cuba, including Radio Rebelde, Radio Progreso, and Cubavisión.
For Thursday, the Electrical Union forecasts a deficit exceeding 1,800 MW, with only 1,210 MW available against a demand of 3,000 MW.
On October 8, a disruption in the National Electric System impacted the entire eastern region—from Holguín to Guantánamo—due to fluctuations in transmission lines that disabled units at the Felton, Diez de Octubre, and Antonio Maceo thermal power plants.
"All of our staff—announcers, sound engineers, journalists, directors, and support workers—deeply regret this situation, which prevents us from timely delivering the information, engaging topics, and music that accompany the people of Holguín, Cuba, and beyond," concluded the station, which celebrated its 90th anniversary this year.
Cuban Radio Stations and Power Outage Challenges
Why are power outages affecting Radio Ángulo?
Radio Ángulo is affected by power outages due to its location on a different circuit than its transmitter, leading to mismatched power schedules that disrupt broadcasting capabilities.
What has been the community's reaction to the broadcast interruptions?
Listeners have expressed outrage and frustration over the interruptions, questioning the local leadership and demanding rectification of the exclusion from prioritized circuits.
How widespread are these power issues across Cuba?
Power issues are widespread across Cuba, affecting multiple radio stations and regions, including prolonged transmission disruptions and significant power deficits.