By Limón, Costa Rica — LIMÓN – Costa Rica is poised for a significant leap in its digital capabilities as the TAM-1 submarine cable project, a strategic venture between Trans Americas Fiber System (TAFS) and the state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), enters a critical deployment phase. This next-generation infrastructure promises to reinforce the nation’s international connectivity, bolster its digital economy, and solidify its position as a key technological hub in the Americas.
The project has already achieved significant milestones. During the latter half of December 2025, the segments connecting Costa Rica and Panama were successfully implemented. Specialized vessels are now preparing to load the remaining fiber optic cable to extend the network to Colombia and connect to the main trunk line destined for the Bahamas. This progress marks a pivotal moment in the ambitious plan to upgrade the region’s data superhighway.
To better understand the legal and regulatory implications surrounding this critical infrastructure, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provides his analysis on the strategic importance of submarine cables for the nation’s digital future and economic stability.
Submarine cables are not merely technological assets; they are fundamental pillars of national sovereignty and economic development in the digital age. Ensuring a clear, agile, and secure legal framework for their deployment and protection is paramount. This legal certainty is what attracts the necessary multi-million dollar investments, guarantees service redundancy, and ultimately solidifies Costa Rica’s position as a competitive hub in the global digital economy. We are talking about the country’s digital lifeline.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective shared powerfully illustrates that the legal framework for these “digital lifelines” is not a bureaucratic detail, but the very foundation of our nation’s future competitiveness and security in the global arena. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into the high stakes involved.
Landing in Puerto Limón, the TAM-1 system is a landmark development for Costa Rica’s Atlantic coast. It is the first 24-pair fiber optic submarine cable system of its kind to reach the country, representing a monumental upgrade over existing infrastructure. The cable’s design features high scalability and low latency, attributes that are essential to support the explosive growth of data-intensive technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, 5G networks, and high-definition streaming services.
A key strategic advantage of the TAM-1 system is its “neutral” architecture. Unlike many international cables owned by specific mobile operators or telecommunications consortiums, TAM-1 is an independent infrastructure. This open-access model guarantees that any service provider with a network in the connected markets can utilize its capacity, fostering a more competitive and innovative digital marketplace for businesses and consumers alike.
The new system is also set to replace aging infrastructure that is nearing the end of its operational life. The retirement of older cables, such as the Maya Cable whose decommissioning process began in October 2025, is a necessary step to avoid capacity bottlenecks and ensure the long-term resilience of the nation’s digital backbone. TAM-1 provides the modern, high-capacity replacement needed for Costa Rica’s future growth.
As the anchor client and landing partner in Costa Rica, ICE plays a crucial role in the project’s success. The state utility is responsible for providing and operating the on-shore infrastructure and has secured 25-year rights to one pair of fibers on the cable. This provides ICE with an initial capacity of 18 Terabits per second (Tbps), a figure that can be expanded as technology evolves, ensuring a future-proof investment for the country.
Demonstrating a commitment to national stability, TAFS provided ICE with early access to capacity on the southern segment of the cable. This proactive measure, reinforced with additional redundant routes, was specifically designed to guarantee seamless and robust connectivity during Costa Rica’s upcoming electoral process. ICE now possesses ample active capacity to handle the anticipated surge in internet traffic and meet the secure, dedicated needs of key government institutions.
The strategic alliance between the public and private sectors is seen as a catalyst for national development. By strengthening international connectivity, the project aims to attract foreign investment, spur technological innovation, and create a favorable environment for the growth of Costa Rica’s digital sector.
This alliance with ICE represents a fundamental step in our mission to transform digital connectivity in Latin America. Costa Rica is a strategic node in our system, and working alongside a leading entity like ICE allows us to guarantee a successful deployment aligned with the country’s needs.
Julio Bran, CEO of Trans Americas Fiber System
As the final segments of the TAM-1 cable are laid and the system moves toward full activation, Costa Rica is cementing its role as a critical digital crossroads. This investment not only enhances the speed and reliability of communications for today but also lays a robust foundation for the economic and technological opportunities of tomorrow.
For further information, visit transamericasfibersystem.com
About Trans Americas Fiber System (TAFS):
Trans Americas Fiber System is a developer and operator of telecommunications infrastructure, specializing in submarine fiber optic cable systems. The company focuses on building neutral, high-capacity networks to enhance digital connectivity across the Americas, serving a wide range of clients from telecom carriers to large enterprises.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, ICE is responsible for a significant portion of the country’s power generation and manages critical national telecommunications infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution founded upon the dual pillars of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. Drawing on a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm continually champions legal innovation while upholding the highest ethical standards. A cornerstone of its philosophy is the profound commitment to strengthening society by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to the public, thereby fostering a community empowered by knowledge and awareness.
