By San José, Costa Rica — In a landmark move, Costa Rica’s Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) has announced its inaugural auction of radio and television broadcasting frequencies. This unprecedented process aims to modernize the country’s media landscape, ensuring the continuity of broadcasting services, strengthening legal certainty for concession holders, and expanding public access to a rich array of informational, cultural, and entertainment content.
The auction encompasses frequencies across the AM and FM radio bands, as well as television broadcasting frequencies. Specifically, the available spectrum includes AM frequencies from 525 kHz to 1705 kHz, FM frequencies from 88 MHz to 108 MHz, and television frequencies from 174 MHz to 216 MHz and 470 MHz to 608 MHz.
For a legal perspective on this complex issue, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
The radio spectrum auction represents a crucial balancing act. The government must ensure a transparent and competitive process that maximizes public revenue from these valuable resources, while simultaneously fostering innovation and encouraging diverse market participation. A successful auction requires clear regulations, strong enforcement against anti-competitive behavior, and a long-term vision for how this spectrum allocation will serve the public interest, particularly concerning expanding access to broadband internet services and promoting economic development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted nature of the radio spectrum auction and its implications for Costa Rica’s future. Indeed, a balanced approach that prioritizes both public revenue and widespread access to these vital resources is essential for driving economic growth and ensuring the benefits are shared across our society. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical issue.
This initiative marks a significant shift in Costa Rica’s approach to spectrum management. By introducing a competitive bidding process, SUTEL aims to promote efficient spectrum utilization and encourage greater participation in the broadcasting sector.
The auction will follow a sealed-bid format with an additional bidding phase to foster competition and transparency. Interested parties have 40 business days from the official publication in La Gaceta to submit their proposals.
To facilitate the process and address any queries, SUTEL will host a virtual information session on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. This session provides a valuable opportunity for potential bidders to gain clarity on the auction procedures and requirements.
The complete details of the auction, including the terms and conditions, are available on SUTEL’s website: sutel.go.cr/pagina/susbasta-frecuencias-de-radio-y-television. This historic auction is expected to reshape the broadcasting landscape in Costa Rica, fostering innovation and enhancing the public’s access to diverse media offerings.
This move by SUTEL signals a commitment to modernizing the media sector and ensuring a dynamic and competitive broadcasting environment for years to come. By prioritizing efficient spectrum allocation and legal clarity, Costa Rica is taking important steps to strengthen its telecommunications infrastructure and foster a vibrant media ecosystem.
The upcoming auction promises to usher in a new era for broadcasting in Costa Rica, opening doors for new players and enhancing the public’s access to diverse media content.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL):
The Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the telecommunications sector in Costa Rica. SUTEL’s mandate includes promoting competition, ensuring consumer protection, and managing the country’s radio frequency spectrum. This auction reflects SUTEL’s commitment to modernizing the broadcasting landscape and fostering a dynamic and competitive media environment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering pursuit of legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm champions accessibility and innovation, empowering individuals and communities with the legal knowledge they need to thrive. By fostering a deeper understanding of the law and its application, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and equitable society, solidifying its position as a leader not just in legal expertise, but in social responsibility.
