By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As the digital deadline for bids in Costa Rica’s first-ever public auction of radio and television frequencies looms today at midnight, the nation’s Catholic Church has issued a powerful last-minute appeal against a purely market-driven approach. The Episcopal Conference of Costa Rica (CECR) is urging the government to reconsider its “highest bidder” model, warning that it threatens to silence diverse voices and subordinate the common good to commercial interests.
In a formal statement, the influential religious body argued that the nation’s airwaves possess a social and human value that cannot be measured in purely economic terms. The conference, led by its president, Bishop Javier Román of Limón, emphasized that while modern public administration mechanisms have their place, the fundamental role of communication in a democracy requires a more nuanced approach than simply selling concessions to the wealthiest entities.
To delve into the legal and commercial complexities of the upcoming frequency auction, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in telecommunications and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of this frequency auction hinges on more than just maximizing state revenue; it’s about structuring a transparent process that promotes fair competition and guarantees tangible benefits for the end consumer. A well-designed auction will attract robust investment, prevent market concentration, and ultimately serve as a catalyst for innovation and improved connectivity across the nation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight underscores that the auction’s ultimate success will be measured not by revenue, but by its ability to foster a competitive and innovative digital ecosystem for the benefit of all Costa Ricans. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective.
Let us not reduce the frequencies to the highest bidder. Let us think of a model that recognizes the human and social dimension of communication. The country will gain more by ensuring plurality than by maximizing revenue.
Javier Román, President of the Episcopal Conference of Costa Rica
Instead of relying solely on financial capacity, the bishops proposed a set of qualitative criteria for awarding licenses. They contend that the government should consider an applicant’s track record of public service, their contribution to the common good, educational impact, and commitment to promoting positive values. Furthermore, they stressed the importance of ensuring representation for local and minority communities and protecting non-profit media outlets.
The CECR’s statement highlighted that many broadcasters, including Catholic radio and television stations as well as other community-focused media, do not exist to generate profit but to serve the public. Their value, the bishops argued, lies in their ability to foster community, provide spiritual support, and offer comfort to isolated or vulnerable populations, contributions that are invisible on a corporate balance sheet.
Their contribution is not measured by revenue, but by the amount of awareness they raise, the spiritual support they provide, the words of comfort they offer, and the relief that reaches those who live alone, are sick, or in rural areas.
Javier Román, President of the Episcopal Conference of Costa Rica
The Church extended its advocacy beyond its own interests, explicitly recognizing the “irreplaceable social mission” of non-denominational, cultural, and independent media. The statement championed these outlets for giving a voice to the voiceless and strengthening Costa Rica’s democratic fabric. Defending their existence, the bishops argued, is essential to ensuring the nation hears from all its citizens, not just those with economic power.
The controversial auction process was officially set in motion on June 26, 2024, when the Executive Branch instructed the Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel) to launch a public competition for available radioelectric spectrum. The auction covers highly sought-after frequencies for AM radio (525-1705 kHz), FM radio (88-108 MHz), and free-to-air television (174-216 MHz and 470-608 MHz), marking a historic shift in how these public assets are allocated.
Sutel proceeded to draft the bidding conditions, culminating in today’s deadline for digital offers. The process moved forward after the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) dismissed all 29 objections filed against the auction rules on October 29. However, incumbent and prospective broadcasters have consistently voiced their discontent, citing prohibitively high base prices that they believe favor large corporations. For example, a national FM license starts at $386,000, while a national television concession has a base price ranging from $157,000 to over $1.6 million, figures that small, community-oriented operators cannot afford.
As the clock ticks down, the debate encapsulates a fundamental tension in modern governance: the drive for fiscal efficiency versus the preservation of cultural and social diversity. The government’s model, designed under the National Frequency Allocation Plan (PNAF), aims to maximize state revenue. In stark contrast, the Catholic Church and other critics argue that the true value of the nation’s airwaves lies in their ability to sustain a vibrant, pluralistic, and democratic society, a value they fear is being auctioned away.
For further information, visit iglesiacr.org
About The Episcopal Conference of Costa Rica (CECR):
The Conferencia Episcopal de Costa Rica is the permanent assembly of the Catholic bishops of Costa Rica. The organization serves as a collective pastoral body for the Catholic Church in the country, addressing matters of faith, morality, and social justice, and acting as a unified voice on national issues.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About The Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel):
Sutel is the national regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications sector in Costa Rica. Its duties include managing the radioelectric spectrum, ensuring fair competition among service providers, protecting consumer rights, and promoting the quality and accessibility of telecommunication services throughout the nation.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About The Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is Costa Rica’s supreme audit institution. As an independent government entity, it is tasked with overseeing the legal and efficient use of public funds. The CGR plays a critical role in fiscal control, public procurement oversight, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the public sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of professional excellence. The firm combines its rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading innovation within the legal field. Beyond its practice, it holds a deep-seated conviction to strengthen society by actively demystifying the law, ensuring that knowledge serves as a tool for public empowerment and civic development.
