Etecsa promotes digital transformation in Granma amid connectivity challenges

Etecsa, Cuba’s state-run telecommunications monopoly, is promoting a digital transformation initiative in the Granma province. The company is hosting a digital fair in Bayamo to showcase technological solutions, foster strategic partnerships with economic actors, and encourage the use of its online services application. Officials state the app allows customers to manage payments, check balances, and handle mobile and fixed-line services remotely to avoid physical queues.

However, the initiative faces significant practical challenges. Residents and reports indicate that connectivity is frequently interrupted by Cuba’s ongoing electrical crisis. Etecsa has previously acknowledged that its backup batteries cannot sustain the network for more than 24 hours without grid power, with company data showing that nearly half of mobile base stations and over 56% of cabinets can become non-operational during outages. This disconnect exists alongside public dissatisfaction regarding rising service rates and poor connectivity in the region.