The Cuban Telecommunications Company announced on Tuesday the first flat rate web browsing for private workers on the island. The new ADSL Internet service, managed by the state telecommunications monopoly Etecsa, is intended exclusively for accountants licensed by computer equipment programmers (PEC).
On its website, Etecsa says the measure will strengthen “the Cuban computer applications and services industry” and aims to improve the “performance and functioning” of the private worker.
According to the legal definition, the computer equipment programmer is one who “develops, markets, implements, deploys and performs the technical support of computer programs, applications and services through contracts with natural or legal persons.” Most of those who have this license on the island are dedicated to programming software, Create applications and install programs.
The connection speed will depend on the technical conditions required by the business
The number of people who will be able to access the service is difficult to know because the PEC license, which began to be issued with the economic reforms promoted by Raúl Castro in the last decade, ceased to be delivered in 2017 when the Government launched a process to regulate and order self-employment.
Only in February of this year was the reopening announced in the delivery of PEC licenses but, so far and according to testimonies collected by 14ymedio, New permitting issues are stalled until the new list of private occupations comes into operation.
The flat-rate service for programmers will allow internet connection access using asymmetric digital subscription line (ADSL) technology. “This offer includes the installation and contracted data service through the use of digital links that permanently interconnect your computer network to other networks, in accordance with the quality specifications that are defined,” explains Etecsa in his statement.
The connection speed will depend on the technical conditions required by the business, the service has no time restrictions and includes the option to enable international mail.
Prices vary depending on the internet speed needed: 512/128 Kbps, at 1,250 pesos per month, up to the maximum offered which are 6,144 / 1,024 Kbps at a cost of 24,125 pesos, the latter the equivalent to $ 1,000 for one month of service.
With regard to the hiring of Nauta Llar, its modality is postpaid and the account holder must have a Nauta account. If you do not have it, “one is enabled for free and you can top up by any of the established channels.”
Etecsa clarifies that the Nauta Llar will have a connection speed of 2,048 / 1,024 Kbps and the authorization will cost 250 pesos. The monthly price will depend on the service contracted: 240 hours for 2,000 pesos (8.30 CUP / hour) or 480 hours for 3,000 pesos (7.20 CUP / hour). The extra hourly rate for both offers will cost 12.50 pesos.
Criticisms of the services announced by Etecsa have not been long in coming. Most of the comments on the official site Cubadebate they regret the high prices of the flat rate and the obligation to have a PEC license to apply for it.
“The offer is appreciated, the price greatly exceeded given the international costs for a higher speed service,” says an Internet user by the name of Peter. An opinion shared by the Rally reader: “Why doesn’t Etecsa make special offers for teachers and students who need connectivity so much these days? Why don’t they sell us phones in the currency they pay us with?”.
“How much should the revenue be for a programmer for any of these offers to be profitable for him?” Asks Sixto, another commentator. “These offers could be profitable for a group of three to five programmers, associated as SMEs. But small businesses are not just approved. These small businesses are key to innovation,” he adds.
“The offer is appreciated, the price greatly exceeded given the international costs for a higher speed service”
Owners interested in Etecsa offers must make the request by email to [email protected]. The documents to be sent are: photocopies of the authorization card to carry out the work on behalf of PEC and of the identity card, a signed application specifying the connectivity package to be contracted and, “in the event that the interested party is not the owner of the telephone line where the service will be installed, he must send a written authorization from its owner.” After approving the application, they must inform the client which office to approach to sign the contract.
Access to a flat rate has been one of the most repeated demands by customers of the state monopoly in recent years. The #BajenLosPreciosDeInternet campaign that reached its heyday in mid-2019. In its first edition, it managed in just 24 hours for the label to become trending topic within the Island.
Etecsa responded by defining the campaign’s promoters as “mercenaries” and blamed the US embargo on high service prices.
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