Chapter 1: Understanding the Disconnect

Who doesn't enjoy taking a break from screens and social media every now and then? Personally, I find it refreshing. However, after spending 15 years in the United States, I have come to realize how privileged this opportunity is, especially when comparing it to countries where individuals struggle to stay connected to the outside world.

Until 2014, the concept of Wi-Fi was largely absent in Cuba. For years, internet access was limited to select workplaces such as medical centers, universities, and post offices, or in private homes that could afford the expensive dial-up service. I recall waiting for hours just to access a computer to check my emails, as browsing freely was a luxury due to the high costs involved. Often, I found myself unsure of what to search for anyway.

After leaving Cuba around 2008, the situation began to shift. The Cuban government, perhaps for reasons I won't speculate on here, initiated the rollout of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the island, primarily located in parks and tourist areas. While this development was met with a mix of hope and skepticism—given the government's notorious surveillance—it didn't take long for people to embrace the new normal.

It's crucial to mention that the available Wi-Fi is notoriously slow and not free. For instance, an hour of Wi-Fi access costs around 1.5 CUC (approximately $2). Although this may seem affordable, it represents a substantial expense considering that the average monthly salary in Cuba hovers around 20 to 30 CUC.

These hotspots soon became social hubs. As illustrated in the accompanying image, people often gather closely, sometimes sitting on the ground. I vividly remember a moment when my younger brother was Skyping me from a park in our hometown; I could overhear every conversation around him. Privacy was a luxury, but at least Cubans could connect with loved ones and share their lives.

As internet access increased, it also became a powerful platform for those opposing the government's restrictions. This was especially clear during the protests on July 11, 2021, fueled by severe shortages of essential goods during the pandemic. While peaceful protests are common in many nations, they are rare in Cuba. Witnessing these events unfold on social media in 2021 was surreal; I wished my grandparents could have seen it.

I must admit that watching the protests brought me to tears. Even though I was more than 90 miles away from my homeland, I was anxious about the fate of those courageous enough to take to the streets.

As expected, the Cuban government's response was immediate: internet blackouts and restricted Wi-Fi access. They could not allow the international community to witness the reality of Cuba—too damaging for their image. This serves as a stark reminder of how the government controls the narrative, dictating what information flows in and out, and punishing dissenters.

On the other hand, tourists from across the globe, particularly from the U.S., often romanticize the idea of visiting Cuba to "disconnect" from technology. While this notion may seem appealing, for Cubans, it represents a lack of choice rather than a luxury.

While not every Cuban can afford internet access, some have found ways to create content on social media. This endeavor is far from easy—they must record videos, edit them with limited tools, and seek out hotspots, often bringing laptops to parks to upload their work. For many of us, it's as simple as clicking a button. In many respects, Cuba remains in a technological time warp.

The next time someone expresses a desire to visit Cuba to escape social media, perhaps they should reflect on what that disconnect means for those who cannot easily reconnect.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Blackouts

The first video titled "The Offline Internet of Cuba" provides insights into the challenges faced by Cubans regarding internet access and the societal implications of this digital divide.

The second video titled "Blackouts Brew Unrest in Cuba's Santiago" offers a glimpse into the recent protests and the government's response to dissent amidst ongoing blackouts and internet restrictions.