Access routes to mobile Internet in Cuba have severely changed. Etecsa, the only telecommunications company on the country, launched several offers that aroused mixed feelings in users. Like one of those times when someone tells you: “I have bad news and good news”.
First in late 2019 and then in mid-2020, the company published new options for users with access to 4G/LTE.
The relationship between the number of megabytes and cost improved, but prices are still too high in a country where the average salary does not reach 3 900 cuban pesos (CUP) — 156 USD at the official exchange rate, but only 87 USD at the real exchange rate on the black market.
4G users, the most benefited#
The packages of 400 MB (5 USD /125 CUP), 600 MB (7 USD / 175 CUP) and 1 GB (10 USD / 250 CUP) include a bonus that doubles each amount, but is exclusive for those connected to the fourth generation network. That is only for users within 4G / LTE coverage areas, these offers are double: 800 MB ($5), 1.2 GB ($7) and 2 GB ($10).
Yes, dear reader, Etecsa’s offers are difficult to explain.
The goal, according to the entity’s officials, is to encourage the transfer of more cell phones to 4G. They need to free up the oversaturated 3G, which supports voice calls and most of the Internet traffic.
Currently, about 650,000 people benefit from these doubled bonuses, 19 percent of the 3.4 million who purchased mobile data in February 2020 (latest data available).
One of the most urgent tasks for the Telecommunications Company is to expand the 4G coverage areas in order to increase this percentage.
To date, half of the country has 3G coverage. However, only Havana, the main cities of each province and some so-called “strategic” places, such as Mariel or Varadero, can access 4G.
Mobile data packs#
According to the official exchange, one USD is equivalent to 25 CUP.
50 MB x 25 CUP (Email pack): It is increasingly falling into disuse. It only works for “Nauta” emails. For one dollar, it allows to consume up to 50 MB in a month and does not have Internet access.
150 MB x 25 CUP (Daily pack): It is a useful option to solve an emergency. For example, you run out of data and you don’t have enough balance to buy a pack, or you just prefer to wait for the next promotion to receive a top-up and buy a bigger package. It is valid for 24 hours, exclusive to 4G and the only option that does not include the extra 300 MB for national websites with the “.cu” domain.
400/800 MB (double bonus for 4G / LTE) x 125 CUP: The option with the lowest amount amongst the monthly plans. Ideal for those who buy $10 cards: this way they can use half of the credit for calls and SMS, and the rest for Internet. The greatest benefit relies in accessing messaging applications such as WhatsApp or Telegram, which lower the cost of communication. Not advisable if you use a lot of social media such as Facebook or Instagram, high data consumers. Even less to watch videos online.
600 MB / 1.2 GB (double bonus for 4G / LTE) x 175 CUP: Package similar to the previous one, but more flexible. It’s enough at least to access international news websites and with the double bonus of 4G, to surf quickly through social media.
1 GB / 2 GB (double bonus for 4G / LTE) x 250 CUP: With the second best value for money and the third cheapest price among those lasting 30 days, this pack becomes the star product for the lucky ones who can use 4G. It allows to use social media quite calmly, read news, listen to podcasts and even check on YouTube’s short videos with low image quality.
For instance, with a top-up from abroad, the main balance of 500 CUP is enough to buy 2 of these bundles and have 4 GB in a month.
For the majority who still use 3G, it’s also the most balanced choice between the amount to pay and consumption.
2.5 GB x 500 CUP and 4 GB x 750 CUP: These offers were already the least purchased ones and signals say that their usage will drop even further. They are too expensive for the average user and don’t include the double extra for 4G. They will be the last upholder for high consumers in areas limited to 3G.
6.5 GB x 875 CUP and 10 GB x 1125 CUP: These prices are somewhat alarming. However, they can be useful for people or groups who work with Internet at home, share cell phone data for their laptops and, of course, live in a town without access to Nauta Home. The 10 GB has the best value for money out of the 8 existing options. Both are available only for mobiles with access to 4G / LTE. In Covid-19 times these offers are useful to people who work from home.
- In Cuba, all these offers are in the local currency: Convertible Pesos (CUC), in the article we use dollars since 1 CUC = 1 dollar. However, in Cuba the dollar has a 13 percent tax.
Send a cellphone recharge to Cuba: Fonoma