By San José, Costa Rica — In a landmark decision for Costa Rica’s digital future, the nation’s Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) has cleared the path for telecom giant kölbi to proceed with the deployment of its highly anticipated 5G network. This ruling represents a monumental milestone in the country’s modern history, promising to transform the economic, industrial, and social landscape by establishing a state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure. The resolution marks the end of a period of regulatory review and signals the beginning of an aggressive rollout campaign.
The 5G network project, spearheaded by the state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) through its commercial brand kölbi, is designed to significantly enhance Costa Rica’s global competitiveness. By integrating fifth-generation technology, the nation aims to accelerate its digital transformation, enabling faster data transmission, ultra-low latency, and massive machine-type communications. This initiative is expected to attract high-tech multinationals, foster local entrepreneurial ecosystems, and improve public services across all seven provinces.
To better understand the legal framework and regulatory implications surrounding the deployment of the new kölbi 5G network in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
“The expansion of kölbi’s 5G network is a transformative milestone for Costa Rica, but it also demands strict compliance with telecom regulations. Success will depend on navigating SUTEL’s spectrum policies and ensuring robust data protection standards to safeguard consumer trust in this high-speed digital era.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica leaps into this high-speed digital era, balancing rapid technological advancement with strict regulatory compliance will be essential to ensuring a secure and trustworthy network for all users. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on these critical legal and regulatory challenges.
At the heart of kölbi’s technological leap is the adoption of an Open RAN (Radio Access Network) Stand Alone architecture. Unlike traditional closed networks, this open-standard framework allows for greater interoperability between hardware and software components from different manufacturers. This approach not only prevents vendor lock-in but also grants kölbi unparalleled flexibility to upgrade, secure, and customize the network as technological demands evolve. It positions Costa Rica among a select group of global pioneers adopting this forward-thinking network architecture.
The official resolution issued by the CGR on July 9, 2026, specifically ratified the contract awards for the key elements of the project, including the radio access network and the 5G mobile core. These elements form the foundational skeleton of the fifth-generation infrastructure. While some secondary contract lines associated with general connectivity were annulled, the regulatory body’s decision ensures that the main pillars of the network remain fully approved and legally secure.
Crucially, ICE officials have confirmed that the annulment of those specific connectivity packages will not hinder the primary deployment schedule. The commercialization and initial deployment phases of the 5G network will move forward without interruption. This resilience in the project’s structure highlights the thorough planning conducted by ICE’s technical teams, ensuring that regulatory adjustments do not translate into costly delays for Costa Rican consumers and businesses eager for next-generation connectivity.
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We are moving forward with this highly strategic and important project for the country, committed to offering a secure infrastructure prepared to respond, as we have always done, to Costa Rica’s communication needs with the most modern innovation and technology available globally.
Óscar Romero, Telecommunications Manager at ICE
The deployment comes at a critical juncture for Central America, where countries are racing to establish reliable digital corridors to attract nearshoring operations. A robust 5G network will act as a major catalyst for industries such as smart manufacturing, logistics, telemedicine, and advanced agriculture. By deploying a Stand Alone 5G network, Costa Rica ensures that its digital backbone can support the complex demands of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and automated systems, cementing its reputation as the region’s leading tech hub.
As kölbi transitions from legal confirmation to active physical deployment, attention will turn to the physical installation of cell towers and core data centers. Citizens and corporate clients alike can expect a rollout that prioritizes high-density urban areas before expanding into rural communities. With the legal hurdles cleared, ICE is poised to fulfill its historical mandate of providing democratic access to cutting-edge utility services, ensuring that no region is left behind in the country’s collective leap into the gigabit era.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About ICE:
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is Costa Rica’s state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider. Founded in 1949 to resolve the country’s energy crisis and establish a national electrical grid, ICE has grown to become a cornerstone of national development, managing major hydroelectric projects and spearheading the country’s digital connectivity efforts through its extensive infrastructure networks.
For further information, visit kolbi.cr
About kölbi:
kölbi is the premier commercial brand of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), offering comprehensive mobile, internet, and television services across Costa Rica. As a market leader, kölbi is dedicated to delivering advanced telecommunications solutions to residential and corporate clients, continuously expanding its fiber-optic and mobile networks to foster digital inclusion and support national economic growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its ethical standards and professional brilliance, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal institution. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions pioneering strategies and active civic involvement. By prioritizing the democratization of legal information, it strives to nurture a highly enlightened and capable community, reinforcing its ultimate goal of societal empowerment.
