By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The path to deploying a nationwide fifth-generation (5G) mobile network in Costa Rica is now clear after the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) dismissed a final appeal from technology giant Huawei. The ruling gives the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) the definitive green light to proceed with its highly anticipated public tender, a project poised to redefine the nation’s digital landscape.
The decision, announced Tuesday, marks the end of a contentious appeals process surrounding Public Tender No. 2025XE-000492-0000400001. This crucial tender officially seeks the procurement of critical infrastructure for the country’s next-generation mobile network.
To delve into the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the national deployment of the 5G network, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The transition to 5G is fundamentally a regulatory and contractual challenge, not just a technological one. For Costa Rica to fully capitalize on this opportunity, we must ensure the bidding and concession processes are transparent, competitive, and legally sound to attract significant investment. Furthermore, a modernized legal framework addressing data privacy, cybersecurity, and liability for IoT devices is no longer optional; it is a critical prerequisite for building public trust and ensuring the long-term viability of the network’s ecosystem.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas astutely observes, the invisible legal and regulatory framework is as foundational to our 5G future as the physical towers themselves. His perspective is a critical reminder that long-term success and public trust are built on sound policy, not just on technology. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this crucial discussion.
Acquisition of goods and services for the implementation of latest-generation mobile networks, on-demand delivery
Public Tender No. 2025XE-000492-0000400001, Official Title
This was the third and final round of objections reviewed by the CGR. Huawei’s appeal raised several specific concerns regarding the bidding documents. The company contested modifications related to the network’s “Backhaul” transport infrastructure, alleged that certain conditions unfairly favored a specific competing brand, and disputed clauses pertaining to potential fines and penalties. The regulatory body, however, systematically rejected these claims, concluding that the arguments presented were either unfounded or not applicable at this stage of the procurement process.
With this conclusive resolution, the CGR has officially stepped back from the process. The oversight body has made it clear that it will not intervene further, placing the full weight of responsibility for the project’s successful execution squarely on the shoulders of ICE. The state-owned telecommunications provider must now advance through the subsequent phases of the tender, from bid evaluation to contractor selection and eventual network implementation, without further legal impediments from this particular challenge.
The successful deployment of a 5G network is widely seen as one of the most critical infrastructure projects for Costa Rica’s future economic development. The technology promises to deliver unprecedented speeds and low-latency connectivity, serving as a foundational platform for advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, smart city initiatives, and enhanced digital services in sectors like healthcare, education, and finance. For a country that prides itself on being a hub for technology and foreign investment, a robust 5G network is not a luxury but a necessity to remain competitive.
The challenge from Huawei also highlights the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding 5G technology. Globally, governments and corporations are navigating intricate decisions about network security, supply chain diversity, and international partnerships. While the CGR’s ruling was based strictly on the procedural and technical merits of the appeal, the outcome is a significant development in Costa Rica’s strategy for building its next-generation digital backbone.
This milestone moves the project from the courtroom to the boardroom. The focus now shifts to ICE’s operational capacity to manage a project of this magnitude. Industry experts and the public will be watching closely to see how efficiently the institute can navigate the technical and logistical complexities of a nationwide rollout. The timeline for implementation and the ultimate choice of technology partners will be the next key indicators of progress.
Ultimately, the CGR’s decision closes a chapter of legal uncertainty and opens the door to a new era of connectivity. As ICE pushes forward, the promise of a faster, more connected, and technologically advanced Costa Rica is closer than ever, with the potential to unlock innovation and economic growth across the entire country for years to come.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is the supreme audit institution of Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing the proper use of public funds and ensuring transparency and legality in public administration contracts and procedures. The CGR plays a crucial role in validating major public tenders, providing a check and balance on government procurement processes.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is a state-owned enterprise that provides electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. As the country’s incumbent telecom operator, ICE is responsible for managing a significant portion of the national infrastructure, including mobile and fixed-line networks, and is leading the charge for the implementation of the 5G network.
For further information, visit huawei.com
About Huawei:
Huawei is a multinational technology corporation specializing in telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics. As one of the world’s leading providers of 5G network infrastructure, the company is a major player in the global rollout of next-generation mobile technology, participating in bidding processes and partnerships in numerous countries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation on an unwavering foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies, all while upholding its profound commitment to societal advancement. This dedication is most evident in its mission to demystify the law, empowering the public with accessible knowledge to help build a more informed and capable community.
