Luel García Lorenzo, the regional director of ETECSA in Camagüey, acknowledged on Sunday that due to the ongoing electrical shortage, more than 100 out of the province's 179 cell towers can be simultaneously rendered inoperative. This information was revealed in a report by the official newspaper, Granma.
The root cause, as Garcia Lorenzo candidly stated, is primarily the "electro-energy deficit."
When more than half of the province's antennas are offline, those still functioning become overwhelmed, unable to manage the user traffic. This leaves residents and their families abroad struggling to maintain regular communication.
Infrastructure Challenges and Obsolete Technology
The situation is exacerbated by the poor condition of the fixed network infrastructure. Garcia Lorenzo pointed out that 75% of this technology is outdated, with 12 km of lead cable still in use, and between 60% to 70% of the existing cabling over 30 years old.
Investing in Energy Independence
In an effort to reduce dependency on the electrical grid, ETECSA is executing an investment plan in Camagüey that exceeds 300% of the year's initial budget, focusing on changing the energy matrix.
Between March and September, 28 solar solutions were implemented: eight 2 kW systems from a Chinese donation and ten 7.2 kW systems ensuring cellular service in locations like Sibanicú, Guáimaro, Jimaguayú, Najasa, Esmeralda, the tourist hub of Santa Lucía, and Vertientes. During daylight hours, some of these systems even provide 4G service.
Ongoing Projects and Technological Advancements
Currently, three larger projects are in progress: the Guáimaro site is 70% complete, Sierra de Cubitas is at 25%, and the Nuevitas site has all necessary equipment available.
In the realm of mobile telephony, new sites were established in Martí, Guáimaro, and Cayo Cruz, and two towers in Lugareño and Cándido González were upgraded from 3G to 4G. Additionally, 29 cell towers were updated in the 900 MHz band and eight in the 2100 MHz band.
The deterioration of batteries presents another challenge. In 2025, over 60 battery banks, mostly lead-acid or gel types, were replaced, as these technologies cannot withstand the deep discharges caused by prolonged blackouts. This year, plans include replacing around 50 additional banks.
Nationwide Implications of Energy Shortages
The scenario in Camagüey is not isolated. At the end of September, ETECSA admitted in a national statement that power shortages are shutting down numerous technological sites across the country, and it is not feasible to continue expanding the network without ensuring energy support for the infrastructure.
In Santiago de Cuba, the local director reported that 140 to 150 sites are shut down daily due to power or fuel shortages.
On the eve of the Camagüey diagnosis, a fault in the 220 kV Nuevitas–Las Tunas line partially disconnected the eastern National Electroenergy System, affecting over three million people for approximately four hours. This incident underscored that the electrical infrastructure underpinning telecommunications remains the weakest link in the chain.
Garcia Lorenzo cautioned that the benefits of these investments "will be felt by the population as they are consolidated," implying any improvements will take time to materialize.
Understanding ETECSA's Challenges and Efforts
What is causing the power outages affecting ETECSA's service in Camagüey?
The primary cause of the outages is the ongoing electrical shortage, which affects the ability to keep cell towers operational.
How is ETECSA addressing the energy deficit in Camagüey?
ETECSA is implementing a substantial investment plan to reduce dependency on the grid by installing solar power solutions and upgrading technology.
What are the future plans for ETECSA in terms of infrastructure improvement?
ETECSA plans to continue investing in energy-independent solutions and updating outdated technology, with significant projects underway in various locations.