ETECSA has offered mobile Internet services since 2018 (3G) and expanded its 4G/LTE network in 2019.
In May 2025, ETECSA updated its plans and pricing, introducing combined plans and extra data options that can be purchased with main balance. To connect to mobile Internet in Cuba, your phone must meet certain technical requirements and you must complete a basic activation process from your device.
Requirements to use mobile data in Cuba
1. A phone compatible with Cuban mobile networks
Your device must support the frequency bands used by ETECSA:
3G: 900 MHz
4G/LTE: 1800 MHz
Many phones sold outside Cuba come with limited band support depending on the country or carrier. Always check your device’s network specifications before trying to use mobile data.
To access the 4G network, you must obtain a uSIM at an ETECSA commercial office.
2. Nauta APN correctly configured
To browse the Internet, your phone must have the Nauta APN enabled. This is ETECSA’s official access point.
Otherwise, you must set it up manually from your phone’s settings.
Nauta APN configuration
Follow ETECSA’s recommended steps:
Open Settings on your phone.
Go to Mobile networks.
Select APN or Access Point Names.
Tap Add or New APN and enter:
Name: nauta
APN: nauta
Username: leave blank
Password: leave blank
After saving, try opening a free site such as etecsa.cu to confirm the connection works.
Mobile data usage and plan purchases are always charged from your main balance, which can be recharged from abroad through Fonoma.
How to activate Cubacel mobile Internet
If your phone is compatible, the APN is configured, and you have main balance available, you can activate mobile data:
Dial *133# on your phone.
From the menu, select 1. Data.
You will see several options, including Plans, which are the most efficient way to use mobile Internet.
Other options available in the *133# menu include:
Pay-per-use data
ToDus plan
Daily plan
Recommended option: Combined plans (Data + Voice + SMS)
Combined plans offer the best value and are valid for 35 days. They work on 4G, 3G, and 2G networks and include data, minutes, and SMS.
Examples based on 2025 offers:
120 CUP: 2 GB + 15 minutes + 20 SMS
240 CUP: 4 GB + 35 minutes + 40 SMS
240 CUP: 4.5 GB (data only)
360 CUP: 6 GB + 60 minutes + 70 SMS
Each plan includes an additional 300 MB for national websites (.cu).
Activating mobile data Internet in Cuba requires only:
A compatible phone
A correctly configured Nauta APN
Main balance to purchase a plan from the *133# menu
Once activated, you can browse on 3G or 4G networks and access messaging apps, social media, and general web services across the country.
If you need help recharging balance or understanding available plans, the Fonoma support team is available via chat or email.
Frequently asked questions
Can I activate mobile data with a foreign phone?
Yes, as long as it supports the 900 MHz (3G) and 1800 MHz (4G) bands. If not, connectivity may be limited or unavailable.
Do I need main balance to browse?
Yes. All data and combined plans are purchased using main balance only.
Where can I buy data plans?
From the *133# menu, Transfermóvil, MiTransfer, or the Servicios en Línea app.
What if the APN does not work?
Make sure it is written exactly as nauta (lowercase). Restart your phone and try again.
Do data plans accumulate?
Yes. If you buy a new plan before the current one expires, resources are added and validity is extended.