Cuba – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Cuba?

ETECSA (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A.) is a state-owned telecommunications company and the island’s one and only licensed internet service provider. Operating as a monopoly, ETECSA administers essentially all internet and telecoms infrastructure in Cuba. No alternative provider is licensed to offer residential or mobile internet, placing Cuba in sharp contrast with most nations where consumers can choose from a range of competing operators.

ETECSA delivers several distinct internet-related services:

• Nauta Hogar — A residential service that delivers ADSL connections to homes, sold in packages defined by the number of contracted hours per month.
• Cubacel — The mobile arm of ETECSA, operating under the Cubacel brand and offering a variety of prepaid mobile data packages.
• Nauta Wi-Fi — A prepaid public access service available at designated hotspot locations across the country.

Although ETECSA has made some strides in broadening access, ongoing constraints — including limited international bandwidth and pricing that far outstrips local purchasing power — continue to hold the service back. Outside the ETECSA ecosystem, some private individuals and businesses have begun sourcing grey-market satellite equipment, though this remains without official sanction — see the satellite section below for further detail.

ETECSA’s official website is www.etecsa.cu. Because service plans, pricing, and availability are subject to frequent revision — with notable changes occurring throughout 2024 and 2025 — readers are advised to consult the site directly for the latest information.

What types of internet connection are available in Cuba?

Cuba’s internet infrastructure trails far behind most of the world. The technologies available are limited in number, and even basic home broadband remains out of reach for the vast majority of the population.

ADSL (Nauta Hogar): The sole fixed residential broadband option is delivered via ADSL over copper telephone lines. Fewer than 8 percent of Cuban households have a home internet connection through the Nauta Hogar asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) service operated by ETECSA. Official data from 2023 showed approximately 39,000 homes in Havana subscribed to the service — a small minority of the capital’s total households. Unlike nations such as South Korea or much of Western Europe, where fibre-to-the-home is the dominant standard, Cuba had no meaningful national rollout of residential fibre-to-the-premises as of 2025.

Mobile data (3G/4G): Mobile connectivity has been the fastest-growing avenue of internet access. 3G services became available island-wide in 2018, followed by 4G from 2019, though both operate over a government-monitored network. According to the ITU, 4G coverage reached approximately 50 percent of Cuba’s population in 2023. Mobile data has become by far the most common route Cubans take to get online, with around 7,388,000 users accessing the internet via mobile phones compared to just 1,670,000 through fixed service accounts.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots (Nauta): By January 2018, around 500 public hotspot locations had been established nationwide, providing coverage in most major cities. Cuba has leaned heavily on this public infrastructure given how limited home internet access remains for ordinary residents. These hotspots rely on a prepaid scratch-card system to grant access.

Satellite internet: Starlink hardware has begun appearing informally in Cuba, existing in a legal grey zone. Listings for Starlink equipment have been noted in Cuban online communities, with sellers indicating the service functions normally when activated from a third country. Some individuals involved in satellite equipment installation have reportedly attracted official scrutiny. As of 2025, no licensed residential satellite broadband service exists in Cuba.

5G: Cuba had not yet launched a 5G network as of 2024.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Cuba?

Cuba’s internet performance statistics are among the lowest recorded anywhere in the world, and conditions have worsened rather than improved in recent years as the country’s energy crisis has taken a toll on network infrastructure.

For fixed broadband, Cuba placed last globally, with a recorded average download speed of 2.93 Mbps between November 2023 and November 2024 — trailing even Syria, which registered 3.40 Mbps, according to the Ookla Speedtest Global Index. For context, well-connected countries typically post average fixed broadband speeds above 100 Mbps, and even many lower-income nations manage 20–50 Mbps.

On the mobile side, Cuba recorded a mean download speed of 4.13 Mbps between June 2023 and June 2024, placing it behind countries including Myanmar (5.09 Mbps) and Bolivia (10.75 Mbps). Urban areas perform somewhat better, with Havana and other major cities averaging roughly 5.3 Mbps, while the national mobile average sits around 4.2 Mbps.

In smaller towns and rural zones, speeds can fall dramatically lower, with some areas recording figures as low as 0.8 Mbps. State sources confirmed in August 2024 that 87.53% of Cubans remain on the 3G network due to geographic constraints, while only half the population has access to 4G.

Service reliability has become a serious concern. Following the first nationwide disconnection from the National Electric System in October 2024, 42% of the sites underpinning more than 2,500 mobile base stations went offline, as did 32% of those supporting over 236,000 fixed telephone lines. The core issue is that the overwhelming majority of ETECSA’s radio base stations have no backup power supply — when electricity cuts occur, the stations simply go dark, and the few that stay on are quickly overwhelmed by concentrated demand.

By 2025, Starlink had emerged as the fastest internet option in Cuba, delivering average download speeds of 13.5 Mbps. ETECSA achieved the highest upload speed at 5.1 Mbps, while Starlink recorded the lowest ping at 63 milliseconds. These figures illustrate the considerable gap between the unofficial satellite alternative and ETECSA’s own network capabilities.

For the most current comparative data, readers can consult Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index, as Cuba’s rankings shift on a regular basis.

How do I get an internet connection set up in Cuba?

Arranging a residential internet connection in Cuba is a considerably more complex undertaking than in most countries, and it carries important limitations. The entire process runs through ETECSA and is subject to government authorisation requirements. Foreign nationals face additional layers of complexity compared to Cuban residents.

1. Verify that service is available at your address. Nauta Hogar ADSL coverage does not extend to all areas. Internet quality and availability in Cuba varies sharply depending on location, with Havana and other urban centres significantly better served than rural parts of the country. Visit an ETECSA customer service office or consult their website to confirm whether home broadband can be provided at your specific address.
2. Assemble the required documentation. You will generally need to provide your passport, evidence of legal residence or a valid address (such as a signed rental agreement or property registration document), and a Cuban phone number. Foreign nationals on temporary visas may encounter additional barriers — holding a permanent residency permit (carné de identidad de extranjero) simplifies the process considerably. Contact ETECSA directly to confirm the current documentation requirements for your particular residency status.
3. Attend an ETECSA service centre in person. Nauta Hogar applications must be submitted in person at an ETECSA Punto de Atención al Cliente (customer service point). Online-only applications are not available. Bring all necessary paperwork and expect potential delays across multiple visits, as modem and equipment shortages have been widely documented — by May 2024, over 16,000 reports of disrupted phone lines had been logged in Havana alone, alongside a scarcity of replacement SIM cards and Nauta Hogar modems.
4. Sign the service agreement. You will be required to execute ETECSA’s standard service contract. Note that Cuba legalised private Wi-Fi in residential and commercial premises on 29 July 2019, though a permit is required for access. Confirm that any necessary permits are secured before or during the sign-up process.
5. Await equipment installation. ETECSA technicians will attend your property to install an ADSL modem. An installation fee and/or equipment deposit may apply. Given infrastructure pressures, the time between signing a contract and having a working connection can range from several days to a number of weeks. Confirm the current official fee schedule with ETECSA at the time of application.
6. Create your Nauta account. Home broadband access in Cuba operates through ETECSA’s Nauta platform. You will need a Nauta user account, which can be set up at an ETECSA office or through their online portal. Service hours or data are purchased using top-up cards or digital recharge options.
7. Stay alert to outages and service changes. Monitor ETECSA’s official communications for updates on outages, planned maintenance, and tariff or plan adjustments, all of which occur with some regularity and often with limited advance notice.

Foreign nationals should be aware that the process runs more smoothly for those holding permanent residency than for those on tourist or short-stay visas. It is worth visiting an ETECSA office early in your relocation to establish which services you qualify for under your current legal status. The official ETECSA website is the best starting point for up-to-date guidance.

Can I get internet access before my permanent connection is installed in Cuba?

While your home connection is being arranged, several interim alternatives exist — though each carries the particular constraints of Cuba’s connectivity landscape.

Cubacel mobile data SIM: For most newcomers, this is the most practical short-term solution. Cubacel mobile data is available for both personal and commercial use and offers reasonable flexibility. SIM cards can be obtained at ETECSA service centres and selected authorised retail outlets. Presenting your passport is required to register a SIM. Visitors can purchase a tourist SIM, while longer-term residents can sign up for a standard Cubacel line. Data is bought via prepaid packages or recharge cards.

Nauta public Wi-Fi hotspots: Nauta Wi-Fi access is sold on a prepaid scratch-card basis, making it available on demand but requiring regular top-ups. Speeds are modest, but the network is reasonably well distributed across parks, plazas, and hotel lobbies in most larger towns and cities. You will need a Nauta account and scratch cards, which can be bought from ETECSA offices or licensed street vendors.

Hotel and tourism Wi-Fi: Hotels catering to international visitors typically provide Wi-Fi, either bundled into room rates or charged by the hour. Connection quality and speed vary widely, but hotel networks can be more stable than public hotspots, making them a useful fallback during the early days of settling in.

Co-working spaces: Havana and a small number of other cities have seen the emergence of co-working or business-centre facilities offering Wi-Fi access. These tend to be run by private entrepreneurs (cuentapropistas) and typically charge by the hour or day.

Since Cubacel is Cuba’s only mobile operator — with no competing networks, no MVNOs, and no eSIM alternatives — there is no comparison shopping to be done on mobile coverage. Signal quality is strongest in Havana and major provincial capitals, tapering off considerably in rural areas. Using a foreign SIM card from your home country in Cuba is technically possible if your operator has a roaming deal with ETECSA, but charges are typically steep and data performance is unreliable. For any stay lasting more than a few days, acquiring a local Cubacel SIM is by far the more economical choice.

What does internet service typically cost in Cuba?

Internet pricing in Cuba is extremely high relative to local wages, and costs have been climbing sharply. Further price rises were announced for 2025, and at time of publication, ETECSA’s latest tariff revisions had generated considerable controversy. Always confirm current pricing directly with ETECSA, as figures are subject to frequent change.

Nauta Hogar (home ADSL broadband): As of 2023, ETECSA’s Nauta Hogar packages ranged from 250 CUP ($10 USD) per month for 30 hours of browsing at 1.24 Mbps, up to 1,375 CUP ($55 USD) per month for 120 hours at 4.096 Mbps. It is important to note that plans are structured around a quota of monthly browsing hours rather than a data volume or unlimited access — a model that will feel unfamiliar to most newcomers. Check the ETECSA website for current plan structures, as these tiers are periodically revised.

Mobile data (Cubacel): According to UK-based Cable, the average cost of 1 gigabyte of mobile data in Cuba was 65.25 CUP ($2.71 USD) in 2023. In May 2025, ETECSA undertook a significant pricing restructure: the company committed to providing customers with 6 GB per month at a subsidised rate of 360 Cuban pesos (approximately $1 USD at the informal exchange rate), while top-up data prices rose substantially — a 3 GB top-up, for example, moved to 3,360 pesos ($9 USD) under the revised system. Dollar-denominated packages are also available, including bundles as large as 16 GB for $35 USD.

Affordability context: With the average Cuban monthly salary equivalent to roughly $16 USD, maintaining internet connectivity now consumes a significant share of most people’s income. Foreign nationals with access to hard currency may find the dollar-denominated packages more practical, though costs remain elevated by regional standards.

Installation fees, modem deposits, and applicable taxes should all be confirmed with ETECSA at the time of sign-up, as these are subject to policy changes. Consult www.etecsa.cu for the most up-to-date tariff schedule.

Are there any restrictions or censorship affecting internet use in Cuba?

Cuba operates one of the most tightly controlled online environments in the world. Expats moving to the island need a clear understanding of the legal and practical limitations that apply to all internet users, foreign nationals included.

Internet freedom in Cuba is severely curtailed. Authorities continue to pursue the censorship and punishment of online dissent with vigour. The poor quality of connections — available exclusively through ETECSA — is compounded by deep affordability challenges that have been further aggravated by the country’s prolonged economic crisis.

The entire backbone of Cuba’s internet infrastructure is state-controlled. Government authorities hold both the legal authority and the technical capability to restrict or sever connectivity whenever they see fit. In stark contrast to the open-access frameworks in place across the EU and much of Latin America — where ISPs are barred from blocking lawful content — Cuba’s government has a documented record of throttling or shutting down internet access during periods of social unrest. At least one internet disruption was directly linked to protests in Santiago de Cuba in March 2024.

The government has moved to suppress grassroots digital media activity through heightened censorship, the blocking of independent news outlets, and the threat of criminal charges and other forms of harassment against digital journalists. The Social Communication Law (LCS), which contains broadly worded content restrictions capable of generating additional criminal exposure for online speech, entered into force in October 2024.

Criminal penalties tied to online activity have been severe. In January 2025, for instance, one person received a five-year prison sentence for writing a Facebook post criticising the government and calling for a public demonstration.

On the question of VPNs: many Cubans and foreign residents use VPN applications to reach blocked content or enhance their privacy online. However, there is no explicit, publicly available statute that clearly permits personal VPN use, and the government has consistently signalled its hostility toward circumvention tools. Foreign nationals should proceed with caution and keep themselves informed about current enforcement practice. The legal exposure for expats may differ from that faced by Cuban nationals, but it cannot be dismissed. Consulting a qualified legal professional with expertise in Cuban law before relying on any circumvention technology is strongly advisable.

What should I know about mobile data and SIM cards in Cuba?

ETECSA is Cuba’s only mobile service provider. Its consumer mobile brand, Cubacel, is the sole source of mobile voice and data services on the island. No competing mobile network operators, no mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), and no eSIM options from Cuban operators are available as of 2025.

SIM registration: Purchasing a SIM card requires presenting your passport and completing a registration form at an ETECSA customer service point. Tourist SIMs are obtainable at Havana’s José Martí International Airport and at ETECSA offices throughout the country. Resident SIMs, which carry different pricing structures, require proof of legal residency. Both categories must be registered in the buyer’s name — anonymous purchases are not permitted.

Coverage and network generation: Official figures confirm that 87.53% of Cubans access the internet via the 3G network due to geographic limitations, while only around half the population has 4G coverage. In practice, Havana and larger cities offer the most dependable 4G service; rural and remote areas commonly fall back to 3G or even 2G. There is no 5G network in Cuba as of 2024.

International roaming: A SIM from your home country may function in Cuba if your home operator has a roaming agreement in place with ETECSA, but roaming charges are typically very high and data speeds cannot be guaranteed. For stays of more than a few days, purchasing a local Cubacel SIM is strongly recommended. Check with your home network provider before departure for current Cuba roaming rates and to confirm whether coverage is offered.

Top-ups: Mobile data and voice credit can be replenished at ETECSA offices, via the ETECSA app (where accessible), through Nauta scratch cards, or through international top-up platforms frequently used by members of the Cuban diaspora. Dollar-denominated packages are now available and may offer a better data-to-cost ratio than peso-denominated alternatives, depending on your access to foreign currency.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Cuba?

Oversight of Cuba’s telecommunications sector falls to the Ministerio de Comunicaciones (MINCOM) — the Ministry of Communications. MINCOM is charged with setting policy, issuing licences, and supervising all electronic communications services on the island, covering internet as well as mobile and fixed telephony.

In May 2019, MINCOM issued resolutions that rendered community networks illegal, a decision that consolidated all connectivity formally under ETECSA’s remit. While MINCOM functions as both a policy-making and regulatory body, its practical independence from the provider it oversees is limited by the fact that ETECSA is itself a state entity. This arrangement stands in stark contrast to countries such as Germany or France, where independent regulators — the Bundesnetzagentur and ARCEP respectively — have the authority to enforce competition rules and consumer protections against commercial operators operating at arm’s length from government.

For expats, MINCOM is the key institutional actor to be aware of when seeking to understand the legal framework governing internet use in Cuba. The ministry’s official website is www.mincom.gob.cu. Although it does not operate as a consumer-facing complaints body in the manner of regulators elsewhere, it does publish official resolutions and policy announcements relevant to telecommunications.

For day-to-day service matters — billing disputes, connection faults, or contract queries — expats should deal directly with ETECSA through its customer service centres or via www.etecsa.cu. Independent speed data and coverage benchmarks for Cuba can be tracked at Ookla Speedtest Global Index.

Frequently asked questions: internet access in Cuba for expats

Can I use the internet freely as a foreign national in Cuba?

Foreign nationals in Cuba connect through the same ETECSA infrastructure used by everyone else on the island, and are subject to the same government-controlled network environment. Hotel connections available to tourists are sometimes somewhat less restricted, but the underlying infrastructure is monitored throughout and subject to content filtering. Independent news websites and certain foreign platforms may be blocked or intermittently inaccessible. Be mindful of what you post or share online — Cuban law, including the Social Communication Law that came into effect in October 2024, carries broadly worded provisions that can apply to a wide range of online activity.

Is Starlink or satellite internet available in Cuba?

Starlink equipment has been circulating informally in Cuba, typically sourced or activated from abroad and brought onto the island. Reports from early 2025 suggest that some users have achieved markedly faster connections using Starlink hardware. However, operating unlicensed satellite equipment sits in a legally ambiguous position, and authorities have reportedly pursued some individuals involved in its installation. As of 2025, no officially sanctioned consumer satellite internet service exists in Cuba. Legal advice is strongly recommended before pursuing this route.

How do I top up my Cuban mobile data?

Cubacel credit and data packages can be replenished at ETECSA service centres, through the ETECSA mobile application, via Nauta scratch cards available at authorised outlets, or through international top-up platforms widely used by the Cuban diaspora. Since May 2025, dollar-denominated packages providing larger data bundles have been on offer, which may be more cost-effective for those with access to foreign currency. Always check the latest package options and pricing at an ETECSA office or on their website, as rates change regularly.

Will my home-country SIM card work in Cuba?

It may do so if your home operator has a roaming agreement with ETECSA, but international roaming in Cuba tends to be expensive and data performance is not assured. For any stay beyond a brief visit, buying a local Cubacel SIM at the airport or an ETECSA office upon arrival is the most cost-efficient approach. You will need your passport to complete SIM registration.

How often does the internet go down in Cuba?

Outages are frequent and have grown more common as Cuba’s electricity crisis has deepened. Power cuts knock out ETECSA’s base stations directly, as the vast majority of them have no backup power generation. During periods of social unrest, the government has also been known to deliberately throttle or cut off connectivity in specific areas. Newcomers should build contingency plans for unreliable access and avoid depending on a stable connection for time-sensitive tasks.

Is there a data cap on home broadband in Cuba?

Nauta Hogar, the residential ADSL service, operates on a time-quota model rather than a conventional monthly data allowance — plans specify a number of browsing hours per month rather than a volume of data. This differs substantially from the unlimited or high-cap plans that most newcomers will be accustomed to. As of 2023, plans ranged from 30 to 120 hours per month. Check the ETECSA website for current plan structures, as a revised Nauta Hogar modality was announced for introduction in mid-2025.

Are VPNs legal in Cuba?

There is no clearly published legislation in Cuba that expressly prohibits personal VPN use, but the government has consistently expressed hostility toward circumvention technologies and the legal environment surrounding them is unfavourable. The Social Communication Law enacted in 2024 contains broadly worded provisions that could be applied to online conduct deemed contrary to state interests. The level of risk for foreign nationals may differ from that faced by Cuban citizens, but should not be treated as negligible. If you depend on a VPN for professional or privacy reasons, seek qualified legal advice before relocating.

Where can I find the most current information on internet prices and availability in Cuba?

The most reliable primary sources are ETECSA’s official website (www.etecsa.cu) and MINCOM’s official portal (www.mincom.gob.cu). For independent speed data, the Ookla Speedtest Global Index provides regularly updated international comparisons. Following reputable Cuban digital media and consulting organisations such as Freedom House — which publishes annual Freedom on the Net assessments — will help you stay informed about policy developments and shifts in the connectivity landscape.