The use and importing of cellphone signal boosters is prohibited in Cuba.

By Yenys Laura Prieto (El Toque)

HAVANA TIMES – The Cuban government is calling for “citizen surveillance” of unauthorized equipment but offers no solutions to the island’s telecommunications network deficiencies.

In a post on its official Facebook page, Cuba’s Ministry of Communications urged residents to report the installation of cell phone signal boosters without legal authorization. The warning comes as thousands of users struggle with the state telecommunication monopoly Etecsa’s poor network coverage. Those who attempt to improve their reception on their own risk fines and confiscation of their equipment.

Government control also extends to satellite connections. According to the newspaper 14ymedio, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a notice to diplomatic missions warning that they are prohibited from importing or using Starlink devices. The communication was reportedly addressed to foreign embassies and international organizations accredited in Havana.

Meanwhile, stepped-up repression continues. The arrest of a community activist sparked a neighborhood protest in Guamuta, part of the town of El Cobre in Santiago de Cuba. Yoel Alejandro Perez Serrano had been distributing food to people in need. Following his detention, a group of women accompanied by their children took to the streets to demand his release. According to opposition activist Jose Daniel Ferrer, as of November 10, Yoel remained detained at the provincial headquarters of State Security in Santiago de Cuba.

Published in Spanish by El Toque and translated and posted in English by Havana Times.

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