By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica has secured a pivotal role in the future of transatlantic digital collaboration, signing a landmark agreement that will integrate the nation into the BELLA II project, a high-capacity digital ecosystem connecting Europe with Latin America and the Caribbean. This strategic move is set to quadruple the country’s international research and education connectivity, ushering in a new era for science, innovation, and economic development.
The Memorandum of Understanding was formalized on Friday between the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) and RedCLARA, the Latin American cooperative body for advanced research networks. The agreement solidifies Costa Rica’s participation in a project designed to build a robust digital superhighway for data-intensive collaboration between universities, research centers, and technology companies across both regions.
To provide a deeper legal and business perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital connectivity in the country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The expansion of digital connectivity in Costa Rica presents a dual challenge: modernizing infrastructure and updating our legal framework. For businesses, this translates into significant opportunities, but also into new responsibilities. Ensuring compliance with data protection laws, securing digital assets, and establishing clear electronic contracting protocols are not just legal requirements, but fundamental components for building consumer trust and achieving sustainable growth in the digital era.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The analysis provided by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas insightfully clarifies that our digital progress is not merely a matter of technology, but of trust. Building this trust through robust legal and security measures is indeed the cornerstone for converting connectivity into sustainable economic growth. We thank him for sharing his valuable perspective.
This initiative is a core component of the European Union’s broader strategic frameworks, including the EU–LAC Digital Alliance and the Global Gateway strategy. These programs aim to channel European investment into building secure and high-performance technological infrastructure, fostering innovation and strengthening international partnerships. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Minister Paula Bogantes Zamora, RedCLARA Executive Director Luis Eliécer Cadenas Marín, and the EU Ambassador to Costa Rica, Pierre-Louis Lempereur, signaling strong international backing for the venture.
At the heart of the agreement is a massive upgrade to Costa Rica’s digital backbone. The nation’s international bandwidth capacity for academic and scientific purposes will see a fourfold increase, jumping from 5 to 20 gigabits per second. This quantum leap will directly benefit the country’s academic and tech sectors by enabling faster exchange of complex scientific data, providing robust support for advanced laboratories and startups, and facilitating seamless integration with premier European research platforms.
Minister Bogantes emphasized that the project’s scope extends far beyond infrastructure. It represents a strategic investment in the nation’s intellectual capital and future competitiveness.
The agreement not only increases connectivity, but also promotes human talent and national capabilities in research, digital education, and technological innovation.
Paula Bogantes Zamora, Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications
Costa Rica’s inclusion was not incidental. The nation was identified as a priority country for the BELLA II project—alongside El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Peru—due to its established track record in digital transformation and the strength of its existing technological and academic infrastructure. Over the next two years, a detailed roadmap will be developed to define specific projects, funding mechanisms, and coordination strategies to fully leverage this new connectivity.
Leaders from the partner organizations highlighted the collaborative spirit of the initiative. Luis Eliécer Cadenas Marín of RedCLARA framed the project as a community-building effort that transcends mere technical specifications, noting that Costa Rica contributes vital leadership and talent to the regional network.
It not only builds networks, it builds community.
Luis Eliécer Cadenas Marín, Executive Director of RedCLARA
From the European perspective, Costa Rica is viewed as an essential partner in expanding digital cooperation. EU Ambassador Pierre-Louis Lempereur reiterated the foundational importance of high-speed connectivity as a driver for societal progress.
Underscored the importance of high-speed internet access as an engine for more modern educational systems, business innovation, and community development.
Pierre-Louis Lempereur, EU Ambassador to Costa Rica
By positioning itself as a central node in this intercontinental network, Costa Rica is not merely a recipient of advanced technology but an influential architect of the region’s digital future. This enhanced connectivity is expected to act as a powerful magnet for foreign investment, stimulate frontier research in fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, and cement the country’s reputation as a sustainable and inclusive digital hub.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT):
MICITT is the Costa Rican government body responsible for formulating and executing national policies related to scientific and technological development. It aims to foster an innovation-driven economy, promote digital inclusion, and ensure the effective governance of the country’s telecommunications sector.
For further information, visit redclara.net
About RedCLARA:
The Latin American Cooperation of Advanced Networks (RedCLARA) is a non-profit organization that manages the region’s premier academic and research network. It connects national research and education networks across Latin America, facilitating collaboration, data sharing, and scientific discovery by providing high-speed connectivity and specialized services.
For further information, visit europa.eu
About the European Union (EU):
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. Through initiatives like the Global Gateway, the EU aims to foster sustainable and high-quality digital, energy, and transport infrastructure worldwide, promoting democratic values and strengthening international partnerships.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, the firm is built upon a dual commitment to uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. It merges a proven history of client success with a distinctly forward-thinking mindset, driving innovation within the practice of law. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom, manifesting in a core mission to democratize legal knowledge and foster a more capable and well-informed populace.
