The surge in vandalism targeting fixed and mobile telecommunications infrastructure in Cuba’s capital has interrupted customer services and compromised resources originally designated for new investments in network development.

The alert was issued to Tribuna de La Habana by Ileana Cabrera Reyes, head of the Ramón Valdivia Communications Center (Monte), and Luis Suárez Valdés, Access Network Group leader for the Southern Territorial Division of the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA).

Primary acts of destruction include the theft of royal core power cables, circuit breakers, copper wiring, perimeter fencing surrounding phone cabinets, lightweight structural covers, and electrical connections at cell towers.

Incidents involving cell towers, intended to deliberately impair telecommunications networks and trigger public discontent, are classified and prosecuted as acts of sabotage.

Compounding these damages is the burning of trash and the collection of refuse near utility poles and telephone cabinets, which damages equipment that is both costly and difficult to replace under current economic conditions.

In response, ETECSA has initiated preventive coordination with Municipal Services and local Defense Sector authorities to relocate solid waste disposal points away from telecommunications infrastructure to ensure its long-term viability.

Because intentional property damage, negligence, and social indiscipline harm the entire community, officials emphasized the need for civic responsibility and public cooperation to protect these essential resources and assets.