Innovation and Connection: Building a Cuban Digital Environment

Cuban society has undergone a profound digital transformation in recent years. A process that reflects the creativity of our people and the institutional commitment. To expanding and improving access to information and communication technologies (ICTs).

This evolution is not only measured in megabytes or gigabytes. But also in how citizens have used the available tools to build networks, communicate, and generate content that responds to our realities and needs.

Internet access in Cuba has grown remarkably. The commissioning of the Arimao submarine cable tripled the country’s connection capacity compared to 2021. According to official data from the Cuban Telecommunications Company (Etecsa), more than 95% of the approximately eight million active mobile lines are enabled for internet browsing. And 76% of terminals support 4G technology.

Digital consumption has also diversified: social networks like Facebook and Instagram are among the most used. Along with messaging services like WhatsApp. At the same time, domestic e-commerce is strengthening. With platforms like Transfermóvil surpassing five million users.

The government is promoting digital transformation projects for key sectors. From public administration with the Soberanía platform to electronic banking services that streamline transactions.

This growth, however, faces structural challenges acknowledged by the authorities. Such as the obsolescence of parts of the infrastructure, the need for greater investment, and frequent power outages that affect approximately 50% of the cell towers. These factors impact service quality, a priority that continues to be addressed.

Before the massive expansion of mobile connectivity, local network initiatives emerged in Cuba, the best known being the Red Callejera or SNet in Havana. These networks, created by enthusiastic young people with low-cost equipment. Allowed thousands of users to share video games, movies, enciclopedias. And create discussion forums on an intranet disconnected from the global internet.

Moreover these projects demonstrated a high level of technical ingenuity and community organization. Operating with internal rules of coexistence and maintained by volunteer administrators. However, their development occurred in a context where the state telecommunications infrastructure was still limited.

With the expansion of Etecsa’s services and the updating of the legal framework for the radio spectrum. Also these informal networks were regulated and integrated into the national infrastructure. The process was coordinated by institutions such as the Youth Computer Clubs. With the aim of guaranteeing stability and security and preventing interference with state telecommunications services.

This transition underscores the principle that, in Cuba, technological development and connectivity advance. In an orderly and sovereign manner, for the benefit of all society.

However, greater connectivity has changed communication patterns. The solidarity response to the 2019 tornado was an early example of how Cubans used mobile data (newly authorized at the time) to organize aid. Share information, and raise awareness of what had happened, complementing the work of institutions. Today, social media interaction, video consumption, and instant messaging are part of everyday life.

It’s also important to consider that the Cuban digital ecosystem is enriched by national platforms and content. Picta and ToDus are local alternatives for video consumption and distribution. Messaging services are another example. Meanwhile, Transfermóvil and EnZona facilitate electronic payments and digital commerce. And the more recent Cuban Business Guide is a private platform that showcases entrepreneurs and economic actors.

This landscape reflects a growing digital community where access to information and entertainment is combined. With the creation of services useful for the economy and social life.

Cuba’s path in the digital realm is unique. It combines state investment aimed at expanding basic infrastructure (as demonstrated by submarine cable and radio base station projects) with the initiative and adaptability of its citizens. Whether through the intensive use of applications, e-commerce, or the historical creation of community networks.

The challenges, primarily economic and infrastructural, are openly acknowledged by the authorities. The solution lies in continuing the sovereign development of ICTs. Protecting services in national currency for the population, and seeking the financial sustainability of the system.

Also the experience of networks like SNet stands as a testament to the talent and the Cuban people’s need for connectivity. Its integration into the national computerization Project. Along with the constant emergence of new digital ventures, demonstrates that in Cuba, technology advances with a social purpose. Promoting inclusion and defending national sovereignty. The digital future is thus being built with everyone’s ingenuity. Within the framework of the law and national development projects.

By: Daimy Peña Guillén

Radio Angulo
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