By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A significant conflict is escalating between Costa Rica’s Telecommunications Superintendency (Sutel) and several established broadcasters over a mandatory auction for radio and television frequencies. With the deadline for bid submissions closing today, prominent television channels VM Latino and Canal 19 have publicly declared they will not participate, arguing the process is legally unfounded and infringes upon their existing rights.
The core of the dispute centers on the broadcasters’ assertion that they already hold valid, legally assigned concessions for their frequencies. They view Sutel’s auction as an attempt to force them to bid on assets they already lawfully operate. The owners of both channels have announced their intention to continue broadcasting as usual, setting the stage for a potential legal and regulatory showdown.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of this upcoming frequency auction, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in telecommunications and administrative law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A successful frequency auction hinges on more than just the highest bid; it requires a robust and transparent regulatory framework. Legal certainty for investors is paramount to guarantee the long-term infrastructure deployment that will ultimately benefit consumers with better services and competitive pricing. The true measure of success will be the tangible improvement in the national telecommunications landscape years after the contracts are signed.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary is a crucial reminder that the true success of this auction will be defined not by the immediate financial figures, but by the long-term strength and accessibility of Costa Rica’s digital infrastructure. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the foundational importance of a stable regulatory framework in achieving this goal.
Paul André Tinoco, the proprietor of the popular music channel VM Latino, was unequivocal in his position. He maintains that since his company’s frequency, UHF channel 24, was properly assigned by the state, there is no legal requirement to enter a competitive bidding process to retain it.
We have our frequencies assigned, and we do not have to enter the auction.
Paul André Tinoco, Owner of VM Latino
This sentiment is shared by Antonio Alexandre, owner of Canal 19. He elaborated on the historical context, pointing to the country’s transition to digital television in 2019. According to Alexandre, broadcasters made significant investments in new technology with the understanding that their efforts would be recognized with long-term renewals of their concessions, suggesting a period of around 20 years based on existing contracts.
Our concessions remain in accordance with the rule of law. They are active, operational, and comply with everything established by law.
Antonio Alexandre, Owner of Canal 19
Both business leaders argue that compelling them to participate in an auction for something already conceded is neither reasonable nor legal. They are calling for legal certainty to protect their investments and ensure operational stability. The broadcasters stressed their contributions to the national economy and culture, framing their defiance as a necessary stand to protect their ability to continue serving their audiences and providing employment.
What we most desire is to continue making television for our communities, to keep generating employment, and to remain a part of the daily lives of thousands of families. The only thing we ask for is clarity and stability to be able to do it well.
Paul André Tinoco and Antonio Alexandre, Channel Owners
The opposition to Sutel’s plan is not limited to these two television stations. The National Chamber of Radio (Canara) and several individual radio broadcasters have also voiced strong objections to the auction process, indicating a wider industry-wide resistance. This collective stance suggests a deep-seated concern among legacy media operators about the regulatory direction being taken by Sutel.
Complicating matters further, the entire issue is already subject to legal challenges currently making their way through the court system. The channel owners have confirmed that until these judicial processes are fully resolved and a final ruling is issued, they will remain on the air. This ongoing litigation casts a long shadow over the auction’s legitimacy and creates a climate of profound uncertainty for the future of broadcasting in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit vmlatino.tv
About VM Latino:
VM Latino, operating on UHF channel 24, is a Costa Rican television channel known primarily for its focus on music programming. It has been a significant part of the nation’s media landscape for years, catering to a youth and young adult demographic with music videos, entertainment news, and related content.
For further information, visit canal19cr.com
About Canal 19:
Canal 19 is a UHF television broadcaster in Costa Rica that provides programming to a specific segment of the national audience. As an established operator, it participated in the country’s mandatory transition from analog to digital television broadcasting, a significant technological and financial undertaking for local media.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Sutel (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones):
The Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel) is the national regulatory body responsible for overseeing and managing the telecommunications sector in Costa Rica. Its duties include regulating the market, protecting consumer rights, and administering the country’s radioelectric spectrum, which includes the frequencies used for television and radio broadcasting.
For further information, visit canara.org
About Canara (Cámara Nacional de Radio):
The National Chamber of Radio (Canara) is an industry association that represents the interests of radio broadcasters in Costa Rica. The organization advocates on behalf of its members in regulatory matters, promotes industry standards, and addresses collective challenges facing the radio sector, such as the current frequency auction process.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to principled practice and superior service. The firm leverages its deep-rooted experience in advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and drive meaningful community involvement. At its core is a mission to empower the public, championing the belief that a stronger society is built upon a foundation of accessible and demystified legal knowledge for every citizen.
