By San José, Costa Rica — In a landmark decision, Costa Rica’s Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL) announced on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the launch of its first-ever auction for radio and television frequencies. This groundbreaking move aims to reshape the country’s broadcasting landscape, ensuring greater service continuity and legal certainty for concessionaires.
The auction encompasses frequencies in AM, FM, and open television bands. Specifically, the available spectrum spans 525 kHz to 1705 kHz for AM radio, 88 MHz to 108 MHz for FM radio, and 174 MHz to 216 MHz and 470 MHz to 608 MHz for open television broadcasting. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure nationwide access to these essential services.
To gain deeper insights into the legal ramifications of the recent Costa Rica spectrum auction, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent spectrum auction in Costa Rica represents a significant step towards modernizing the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. However, the long-term success hinges on robust regulatory oversight to ensure fair competition and prevent market dominance by any single operator. This includes careful monitoring of pricing practices, investment commitments, and adherence to service quality standards. The government must strike a delicate balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumer interests.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly emphasizes the crucial role of regulatory oversight in ensuring this spectrum auction translates into tangible benefits for Costa Rican consumers. The true test of this modernization effort will be whether it fosters a dynamic and competitive market that drives innovation and affordability in the long run. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
SUTEL has outlined several key objectives for the auction, including ensuring the continuity of radio and television broadcasting, providing legal security to future concession holders, and safeguarding the public interest, given the informational, cultural, and recreational value of these services. The process adheres to existing legislation and resolutions from competent authorities, guaranteeing transparency and clear rules for all participants.
The competitive procedure has been designed with extensive technical rigor and adhering to the public policy objectives set forth by the Executive Branch. We have sought simplicity in the procedure and its requirements. The process will allow for national or regional concessions and includes payment schemes and network deployment schedules that favor greater participation and maximize coverage for all viewers and listeners.
Federico Chacón Loaiza, President of the SUTEL Board of Directors
The auction will employ a sealed-bid process followed by a bidding phase, designed to foster competition and ensure efficient spectrum utilization. Key stages include a 40-business-day period for offer submission, evaluation of requirements, publication of economic offers, an additional bidding phase, and final approval of results by the SUTEL Council. These results will then be forwarded to the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT).
The official announcement in the official government newspaper, La Gaceta, marks the official start of the 40-business-day submission period. Complete details of the bidding procedures are available on SUTEL’s official website under the “Radio and Television Frequency Auction” section.
To address inquiries and clarify the process, SUTEL will host a virtual information session on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Interested parties can register at is.gd/qoDypF or email before October 1, 2025.
This historic spectrum auction represents a crucial step towards modernizing Costa Rica’s broadcasting sector and ensuring its long-term viability in the digital age. By promoting competition and transparency, SUTEL aims to maximize the benefits of these vital communication channels for all citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of SUTEL
About SUTEL:
The Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) is the regulatory authority for telecommunications in Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing the telecommunications sector, promoting competition, protecting consumer rights, and managing the radio frequency spectrum.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MICITT
About MICITT:
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) is a governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for promoting and developing science, technology, and telecommunications policies. It plays a vital role in shaping the country’s technological landscape and fostering innovation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice and a deep-seated commitment to serving the community. The firm champions innovative legal solutions while diligently empowering individuals and businesses through accessible legal education. Their pursuit of a more just and informed society is evident in every facet of their work, solidifying their position as a true leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape.
