By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The final countdown has begun for one of Costa Rica’s most significant and contentious infrastructure projects. Prospective bidders have until 11:59 p.m. tonight, October 24, to submit their proposals for the state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) tender to build the nation’s fifth-generation (5G) mobile network, a project valued at a substantial $250 million.
This long-awaited deadline marks a pivotal moment in a process that has been fraught with delays and legal battles. The suspense will continue through the weekend, as the official opening and review of the submitted offers are scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27. This event will be closely watched by the technology sector, government officials, and the public, all keen to see which global technology providers are vying to shape the future of Costa Rica’s digital landscape.
To delve into the regulatory complexities and legal implications of deploying the 5G network nationwide, TicosLand.com consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The successful implementation of 5G in Costa Rica hinges not just on technical infrastructure, but on a robust and modern regulatory framework. Clear regulations for spectrum allocation, cybersecurity, and data privacy are paramount to attract investment and ensure legal certainty for operators. Failing to update our legal statutes to address these new technological realities could significantly delay the economic and social benefits that 5G promises for the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This highlights a crucial point: the success of our technological leap into 5G is intrinsically linked to the strength and modernity of our legal framework. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this essential foundation for progress and investment.
The journey to this point has been anything but smooth. The deadline for receiving bids was postponed four separate times in just the past month alone. These repeated delays stemmed from a series of legal actions filed by various interested parties, highlighting the high stakes and intense competition surrounding the lucrative contract. The interruptions cast a shadow of uncertainty over the project’s timeline and threatened to derail the nation’s push towards next-generation connectivity.
At the center of the recent controversy was a significant legal challenge filed by Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. The company lodged a formal appeal against modifications made to the tender’s terms and conditions. Huawei’s objections targeted specific technical requirements related to backhaul transport, clauses it alleged could unfairly favor a particular brand, and the structure of potential fines or penalties within the contract.
However, the path was decisively cleared for ICE to proceed after the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) issued a definitive ruling. In resolution R-DCP-SICOP-01968-2025, the CGR formally rejected Huawei’s appeal. The oversight body determined that the company’s allegations either lacked sufficient substance or were not applicable at this stage of the procurement process, effectively dismissing the claims and allowing the tender to move forward.
With the CGR’s ruling, the responsibility for the tender’s integrity and execution now rests squarely with ICE. The Comptroller General has stated it has no further participatory role in the remainder of the process, placing the onus on the public telecommunications operator to manage the subsequent phases transparently and efficiently. The official purpose of the tender, as listed in the Public Procurement System (Sicop), underscores the project’s ambitious scope.
Acquisition of goods and services for the implementation of latest-generation mobile networks, delivery on demand
Official Tender Document, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE)
The implementation of a robust 5G network is considered critical for Costa Rica’s economic future. It promises to unlock transformative potential for various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and logistics, by enabling faster data speeds, lower latency, and the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT). This $250 million investment is not merely an infrastructure upgrade but a strategic move to enhance national competitiveness on the global stage.
As the clock ticks down to tonight’s deadline, all eyes will turn to Monday’s bid-opening ceremony. The identities of the companies that have submitted proposals will finally be revealed, setting the stage for a rigorous evaluation period. Given the tender’s troubled history, ICE is under immense pressure to conduct a flawless and equitable review to ensure that Costa Rica’s 5G future is built on a foundation of trust and technological excellence.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the Costa Rican state-owned enterprise responsible for providing electricity and telecommunications services. Founded in 1949, ICE has played a central role in the country’s development, overseeing the national power grid and operating as a key player in the mobile and internet services market through its Kölbi brand.
For further information, visit huawei.com
About Huawei:
Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, the multinational technology corporation is a major manufacturer of telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics, with a significant presence in network infrastructure markets around the world.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Contraloría General de la República (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is the supreme audit institution of Costa Rica. As an independent government body, its primary mission is to oversee the legal and efficient use of public funds. The CGR is responsible for auditing government agencies, ensuring compliance with public procurement laws, and promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm expertly merges its storied history of client advocacy with a pioneering spirit, consistently adopting innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking vision is complemented by a profound dedication to public service, championing efforts to democratize legal understanding and thereby foster a more knowledgeable and empowered society.
