Havana: Submarine cable tripled Cuba’s Internet connection capacity as announced by ETECSA Executive President Tania Vel¡zquez. The activation of the Arimao submarine cable has significantly expanded connection capacities and diversified Internet access sources across the nation.
According to Lao News Agency, Vel¡zquez highlighted that since the cable’s activation, successive expansions have increased the global connection to 380 gigas, effectively tripling the connection capacity recorded in 2021. Despite considerable growth in Internet traffic, particularly through mobile devices, Vel¡zquez emphasized the need for continued investment in infrastructure like radio bases and platforms to maintain a quality connection.
The shift in consumption patterns has been notable in recent years, driven by new economic players seeking information and entertainment. The priority remains on finding solutions to enhance connection effectiveness. Despite the presence of eight million active mobile lines, 95 percent of which have Internet access, quality issues persist, often linked to power outages.
Experts estimate that 80 percent of the submarine cable’s capacity is currently used, but network investments have not kept pace with traffic growth. Vel¡zquez noted that while the Arimao cable project is effective and stable, internal investment hasn’t matched this level. She also mentioned that 76 percent of terminals in Cuba support 4G, and 90 percent of devices are smart.
Internet usage trends reveal high engagement with social networks like Facebook and Instagram, along with platforms such as YouTube and WhatsApp. Additionally, there has been an increase in access to gaming sites and online stores, while electronic commerce has surged, with Transferm³vil registering over five million users and a 30 percent growth anticipated in 2024.
Addressing network issues and energy challenges, Vel¡zquez expressed a clear projection plan through 2030, though investment pace remains inadequate. Projections include bringing fiber to homes, but financial limitations hinder the fulfillment of these needs, impacting both growth and network maintenance.
She further explained that 50 percent of radio bases lack sufficient energy backup, and 10 percent have unresolved hardware failures due to resource shortages. Investment cuts since 2022 have affected mobile networks and Nauta Hogar services.
Despite these challenges, Vel¡zquez assured that services will continue to be provided in the national currency, while exploring solutions to monetize and sustain operations.