On July 11, 2021, a historic wave of protests took place in Cuban streets, and ETECSA rushed to block internet use through every available channel. In the middle of the demonstrations, millions of people were left unable to communicate.
Restrictions on mobile data and Nauta Hogar connections lasted for days. In some areas, people could still access cyberspace, but only in an unstable way.
Given Cuba’s ongoing shortages and sense of abandonment, protests have returned. One of the first responses is almost always cutting internet service so people cannot communicate.
NetBlocks, a service that monitors internet connectivity globally, has confirmed the interruption of social networks and messaging apps on the island several times.
“NetBlocks metrics show that communications platforms WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and some Telegram servers are disrupted on government-owned ETECSA, including Cubacel, the cellular network operated by Cuba’s sole telecommunications company. The findings corroborate user reports of disruptions to the services,” the organization explained in a report published in July 2021.
Before July 11, NetBlocks had already identified a similar pattern of restrictions on social media during the San Isidro protests for artistic freedom in Havana and the 27N movement protests in November 2020.
The report adds that VPN services remained effective for some users. Try several apps, because not all of them always work.
Here are a few tips for accessing the internet from Cuba when the government blocks connections.
Install one of these VPNs on your phone. Someone can send it to you through Zapya:
- Restart your phone or put it in airplane mode for a few seconds. When it turns back on, or when you turn airplane mode off, enable mobile data first and then the VPN.
- If mobile data does not work, you can go to a WiFi zone and try connecting there with a VPN too. At first it may say you do not have internet access, but some people report that after several attempts and a few minutes of patience, they have managed to connect this way.
- If you have Nauta Hogar , an active VPN may allow you to connect. Several users of this service have reported on social media that they were able to do it this way.
This has worked for some people and not for others. So far, there is no known method that works for everyone. It varies depending on where you are and the device you use.
Fonoma is a service for recharges to Cuba:
