# Telecommunications developments in Nicaragua and Cuba

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/telecommunications-developments-in-nicaragua-and-cuba
> Updated: 2026-09-24T12:50:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In Nicaragua, the telecommunications regulator TELCOR reported that a third mobile service provider is in discussions to enter the national market, which is currently dominated by Claro and Tigo.

In Cuba, ETECSA continues to face significant service interruptions driven by the instability of the National Electric System (SEN) and broader economic challenges. Recent major power failures resulted in the interruption of over 80% of radio base stations and approximately 70% of cabinets, causing internet traffic to drop by up to 58%. The company has attributed these difficulties to inflation, fuel shortages, and an energy blockade.

To address these issues, ETECSA is reorganizing its financial investments and resource allocation, shifting focus from network expansion toward infrastructure resilience. This includes prioritizing energy backup solutions such as batteries and photovoltaic systems. 

Regarding service limitations, ETECSA noted that revenues from fixed telephony are currently insufficient to cover operational and maintenance costs, requiring subsidies from mobile service revenues. Furthermore, the company stated it has no mechanism to provide refunds or compensation for data packages or balances lost during service outages or periods of slow connectivity. Recent reports indicate approximately 77,000 complaints regarding interrupted fixed services as the decline in service quality continues to impact revenue and increase operational expenses.

## Claims

- ETECSA is reorganizing its financial resource allocation and investment priorities due to the energy situation. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A recent failure in the National Electric System caused more than 80% of radio base sites to be interrupted. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Internet traffic losses reached 58% compared to similar periods during the recent power failure. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Revenue from fixed telephony currently does not cover maintenance and operation costs. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The company has no mechanisms to refund money or compensate users for service interruptions or slow speeds. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: ETECSA reorganizes investments amid Cuba energy crisis

Cuba's ETECSA is reorganizing investments as energy shortages and fuel scarcity cause major telecommunications outages, including an 80% loss of radio base sites during recent power failures.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/msmvil-launches-mi-wifi-auxiliar-to-mitigate-fiber-outages

### 2026-09-12: Telecommunications developments reported in Nicaragua and Cuba

Nicaragua is evaluating a potential third mobile operator to increase market competition, while Etecsa begins solar panel installations in Cuba to stabilize telecommunications during power shortages.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/telecommunications-developments-reported-in-nicaragua-and-cuba

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Cite as: Telecommunications developments in Nicaragua and Cuba. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/telecommunications-developments-in-nicaragua-and-cuba