By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has taken a significant leap forward in its digital transformation journey with the launch of its first 5G Testbed. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaborative effort with the European Union, promises to accelerate innovation and solidify the nation’s position as a regional technology leader. The launch event, held at the Radisson Hotel in San José, attracted over 150 attendees, representing a cross-section of public and private sectors, academia, tech companies, and entrepreneurs.
The Testbed, established under the EU-funded project “5G Connectivity in Costa Rica,” is a joint undertaking of the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT), the Costa Rican Promoter of Innovation and Research (PCII), and the Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Policies (FIAP/Spanish Cooperation). It offers a controlled environment for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to experiment with cutting-edge technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, and industrial automation without significant financial risk.
To understand the legal implications of 5G testbeds in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The establishment of 5G testbeds in Costa Rica presents a unique opportunity to foster innovation while simultaneously addressing important regulatory considerations. Key areas of focus include spectrum allocation, data privacy compliance in accordance with Ley 8968 (Protection of Personal Data), and ensuring fair competition within the telecommunications market. Successful deployment will hinge on a collaborative approach between public and private sectors to navigate these complexities and create a robust legal framework that encourages investment and protects consumer rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on collaboration and a robust legal framework is crucial. Indeed, navigating the complexities of 5G deployment requires a delicate balance between encouraging technological advancement and safeguarding public interests. This forward-thinking approach, incorporating data privacy and fair competition from the outset, will ultimately pave the way for a successful and sustainable 5G ecosystem in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
This 5G Testbed will be vital infrastructure for open innovation in telecommunications. It complements our efforts in network deployment and regulatory framework, fostering an environment for businesses of all sizes, especially SMEs, and developers to explore the capabilities of 5G, thus democratizing access to cutting-edge technology and actively contributing to closing the digital divide from the supply of solutions.
Paula Bogantes, Minister of MICITT
This initiative marks a turning point for Costa Rica’s productive ecosystem. By providing access to emerging technologies, the Testbed not only strengthens national competitiveness but also positions the country as a regional example in the transition to a more inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-driven digital economy. This collaborative space will facilitate evidence-based policymaking, linking scientific innovation, tech entrepreneurship, and public sector strategy.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, technological cooperation, and a more equitable digital economy, especially in countries with high innovative potential like Costa Rica. The project aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing international collaboration for institutional strengthening and sustainable digital transformation.
Costa Rica is a key partner for promoting these types of projects in the region. The 5G Testbed Laboratory is a concrete example of the positive impact that international cooperation can have when it is oriented towards strengthening local capacities and technological inclusion.
Pierre-Louis Lempereur, EU Ambassador to Costa Rica
The PCII aims for the Testbed to become a dynamic hub for collaboration, fostering new partnerships and accelerating the development of globally valuable products originating from Costa Rica.
We want this laboratory to be a living platform for collaboration, where new alliances emerge and the development of products that generate value from Costa Rica for the world is accelerated. We invite all sectors to take ownership of this space.
Patricia Rojas Figueredo, General Manager of PCII
FIAP, which channels part of the European technical cooperation, highlighted the transformative dimension of the Testbed, emphasizing its role in connecting technical knowledge with the sustainable development agenda.
From FIAP, we celebrate this space as an opportunity to connect technical knowledge with the sustainable development agenda. A Testbed like this multiplies the capabilities of local actors to innovate, cooperate, and grow in a network, while allowing the generation of evidence for the design of more effective and inclusive public policies.
Sonsoles Mories Álvarez, Director of the Economic Development and Environment Area of FIAP
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT):
The MICITT is the Costa Rican governmental body responsible for promoting scientific and technological development, innovation, and telecommunications infrastructure. It plays a key role in shaping the country’s digital future and fostering a competitive knowledge-based economy.
For further information, visit pcii.go.cr
About Costa Rican Promoter of Innovation and Research (PCII):
The PCII is a key institution in Costa Rica dedicated to promoting innovation and research. It supports entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses in developing and implementing new technologies and solutions.
For further information, visit fiapp.org
About Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Policies (FIAP):
FIAP is a Spanish cooperation entity that facilitates the internationalization of public policies, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing between countries. It plays a vital role in promoting development and innovation through technical cooperation and capacity building initiatives.
For further information, visit eeas.europa.eu
About European Union:
The European Union is a political and economic alliance of 27 member states primarily located in Europe. It promotes peace, its values and the well-being of its citizens. The EU is a key player in international development and cooperation, supporting initiatives that foster sustainable growth, innovation, and inclusive societies globally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice, empowering individuals and communities through knowledge. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with a deep-rooted dedication to client service across a broad spectrum of industries, solidifies its position as a leader. By actively promoting legal literacy and accessibility, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more informed and empowered society, upholding its core values of integrity and impactful contribution.
