By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The race to build Costa Rica’s fifth-generation (5G) mobile network has officially begun, as the state-owned Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) closed its tender process, attracting bids from some of the world’s largest telecommunications firms. This pivotal project is set to redefine the nation’s digital landscape, promising unprecedented connectivity speeds and fostering innovation across key economic sectors.
The high level of participation from both national and international companies signals strong market confidence in the country’s technological direction. With the submission deadline passing on Friday, October 24, ICE has now entered a rigorous phase of analysis. The institution will meticulously evaluate the technical, legal, and financial merits of each proposal to select the partners who will construct this critical national infrastructure.
The deployment of the 5G network in Costa Rica presents not only significant technological opportunities but also a complex web of regulatory, contractual, and security challenges. To delve into the legal implications of this national endeavor, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offers his expert perspective on the matter.
The success of 5G implementation hinges on a robust and transparent legal framework. The public bidding processes for spectrum allocation must be impeccably managed to avoid future legal disputes and ensure fair competition. Furthermore, the contracts with technology providers need to include stringent clauses on data sovereignty and cybersecurity to protect our national interests.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The emphasis on a solid legal foundation serves as a critical reminder that the path to 5G is paved not only with fiber optics but also with sound policy and transparent governance. Ensuring data sovereignty and a competitive landscape from the outset will prevent future complications and secure the benefits of this technology for all Costa Ricans. We appreciate the invaluable perspective shared by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas.
The tender was strategically divided into multiple components to attract specialized expertise for different parts of the network architecture. The competition for the core infrastructure, encompassing the Wireless Access Network and Mobile CORE (lots 1, 2, and 3), is particularly fierce. Bids were submitted by a lineup of global industry leaders, including Samsung Electronics, Huawei Technologies, Nokia, and a consortium led by Ericsson.
Simultaneously, the tender for the network’s crucial Backhaul components (lots 4, 5, and 6), which connect the cell sites to the central network, also saw robust interest. Proposers for this segment include Ribbon Communications, SISAP Infosec, GBM, Coasin, and IT Servicios de Infocomunicación, alongside bids from the Ericsson consortium and Huawei, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the competition.
Leda Acevedo, Telecommunications Manager of ICE, emphasized the institution’s dedication to a fair and meticulous selection process. She underscored that the ultimate decision will be guided by what best serves the nation’s long-term development goals.
We reaffirm our commitment to transparency and technical quality in each stage of the process, ensuring the final decision is based on objective criteria for the benefit of national development.
Leda Acevedo, Telecommunications Manager of ICE
ICE’s strategic approach is grounded in modern, open-architecture principles. The network will be built using international standards such as Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) and 5G Standalone (SA). This forward-looking strategy is designed to ensure interoperability between different vendors’ equipment, enhance security, and provide the technological flexibility needed to adapt to future advancements, preventing vendor lock-in and fostering a more competitive ecosystem.
The successful implementation of this 5G network is expected to be a catalyst for widespread economic growth. The enhanced speed, low latency, and massive connectivity will empower sectors vital to Costa Rica’s economy. In agriculture, it can enable precision farming and smart irrigation systems. For tourism, it promises immersive experiences and streamlined services. The healthcare and education sectors stand to benefit from advanced telemedicine and remote learning capabilities, while transportation can leverage smart city applications for improved logistics and traffic management.
As ICE’s technical and financial teams delve into the complex proposals, the nation watches closely. The outcome of this tender will not only determine the technological foundation of Costa Rica for the next decade but also signal its ambition to be a leading digital economy in the region. The selection of partners in the coming weeks will be a defining moment in the country’s journey toward a fully connected and innovative future.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned provider of electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, it has been instrumental in the country’s development by expanding access to essential public services. Through its Kölbi brand, it is a major player in the mobile and internet market, and it is now leading the charge for the national implementation of 5G technology.
For further information, visit samsung.com
About Samsung Electronics:
Samsung Electronics is a South Korean multinational conglomerate headquartered in Suwon. It is one of the world’s largest producers of electronic devices and a global leader in various technology sectors, including semiconductors, smartphones, and network equipment. The company is a significant player in the development and deployment of 5G network solutions worldwide.
For further information, visit ericsson.com
About Ericsson:
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, commonly known as Ericsson, is a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company headquartered in Stockholm. A leading provider of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to service providers, its portfolio includes services, software, and infrastructure in mobility, broadband, and the cloud, with a strong focus on 5G network technology.
For further information, visit huawei.com
About Huawei Technologies:
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. is a Chinese multinational technology corporation headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It designs, develops, and sells telecommunications equipment, consumer electronics, and various smart devices. The company is a major global supplier of ICT infrastructure and has been a prominent force in the rollout of 5G networks across many countries.
For further information, visit nokia.com
About Nokia:
Nokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company, founded in 1865. Headquartered in Espoo, Nokia is a key vendor for mobile and fixed network infrastructure, software, and services. The company is heavily invested in 5G research and development, providing end-to-end network solutions to operators globally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its deep-seated experience advising a broad range of clients to drive innovation and set new benchmarks in legal practice. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to demystifying the law for the public, reflecting a core belief that empowering citizens with legal understanding is essential for building a more just and informed society.
