A group of Cuban men and women have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to five years for their involvement in an illegal network selling Starlink antennas in Santa Clara. This information was reported by a pro-government Facebook profile named "Alejandro Noticias Cuba."
The incident reportedly took place weeks before this past Friday. The convictions were confirmed by sources close to the families of the accused in court, although no official judicial ruling or regime-sanctioned channel has issued a statement.
Authorities conducted raids at the homes of those detained and the residences of the buyers, seizing a total of 37 antennas that had entered the country through illicit means. The pro-government source emphasized that these devices “had entered the country illegally and were being sold unlawfully.”
Penalties Extend Beyond Primary Sellers
The legal repercussions didn't stop with the primary sellers. Transporters involved in the network were also handed criminal sentences, while buyers faced fines of 100,000 Cuban pesos (CUP) and had their equipment confiscated. The publication warned that "repeat offenders will face harsher penalties," highlighting that the legal actions targeted the entire criminal chain: the importer, the transporter, the seller, and the buyer.
Legal Framework and Government Justifications
Under Cuban law, specifically article 295.1 of the Penal Code (Law 151/2022), the illegal dissemination of satellite, television, and radio signals, as well as telecommunications services, can result in prison sentences ranging from three to eight years. This applies to those who, without legal authorization, manage, organize, distribute, profit from, or finance the broadcast of such signals or services.
Article 295.2 imposes similar penalties on those who market or distribute equipment or technology, or facilitate the illegal activities described. In May 2026, the Ministry of Communications strengthened these regulations with Resolution 1/2026, banning the import of devices used to access computer or telecommunications networks without authorization and setting technical approval requirements for other equipment, including satellite TV receivers and their antennas.
Starlink Antennas Viewed as a Threat
The pro-regime source justified the severe penalties by claiming that Starlink terminals "have been linked to warfare operations" and that their clandestine introduction is "used for a parallel network outside state control." This narrative aligns with the regime's stance since 2025, labeling the antennas as tools of "digital aggression" from the United States, despite the lack of verifiable independent evidence supporting these claims.
The Santa Clara case is part of a broader campaign by Cuban Customs against Starlink equipment, which intensified in 2025 with seizures at airports where devices arrived concealed in boxes for monitors, welding machines, and music equipment from Miami.
Internet Access Challenges in Cuba
The high demand for these antennas among Cubans is understandable given the poor state of internet services provided by ETECSA, the state-run telecommunications monopoly. In May 2026, mobile internet download speeds in Cuba were a mere 7.21 Mbps, according to the Speedtest Global Index, placing the island at the bottom of Latin America.
Despite these service shortcomings, ETECSA maintains a pricing structure introduced in May 2025 that restricts standard top-ups in Cuban pesos and sells additional data packages in both local and foreign currencies. These include 3 GB for 3,360 CUP, even though the minimum monthly wage is set at 3,210 pesos, as well as larger packages priced in dollars.
In March 2026, Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink's signal reaches Cuba, though it cannot be officially sold there. Despite restrictions, the equipment circulates in the informal market at prices exceeding $1,000.
The online reaction to the news was telling. One user sarcastically remarked, "I'm reading the news from Santa Clara with my Starlink." Another drew a historical parallel: "This reminds me of the dollar, how many served time just for having one dollar, and now everything is dollarized." A third pointed to the core of the issue: "There's a deeper problem. If ETECSA provided better service, there wouldn't be a need to sell these antennas." A Cuban reading the news from Jamaica summed up the paradox succinctly: "How are they criminals for wanting internet access? I asked, and they replied, that's Cuba for you."
Frequently Asked Questions About Starlink Antennas in Cuba
Why are Starlink antennas considered illegal in Cuba?
Starlink antennas are deemed illegal in Cuba because they allow internet access outside of state control, which is seen as a threat to the regime. The government has labeled them as tools of "digital aggression" from the United States.
What legal consequences do individuals face for selling Starlink antennas in Cuba?
Individuals involved in selling Starlink antennas may face prison sentences ranging from three to eight years under Cuban law, as well as fines and confiscation of equipment.
How does ETECSA's internet service compare to Starlink?
ETECSA's internet service is significantly slower and more expensive compared to Starlink. With download speeds of just 7.21 Mbps, Cuba ranks last in Latin America for mobile internet speed.