By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s ambitious plans for a 5G network have encountered a roadblock. The Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) has partially upheld four of eight appeals filed against the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad’s (ICE) tender for the next-generation mobile network. This decision throws the original timeline into question and requires ICE to revise its bidding conditions.
The disputed tender, officially known as “Acquisition of goods and services for the implementation of next-generation mobile networks, delivery on demand,” attracted eight appeals from various telecommunications companies. Four appeals were dismissed outright, while the CGR partially upheld four others, citing concerns around several key aspects of the tender.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding 5G implementation in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert perspective.
The rollout of 5G in Costa Rica presents significant opportunities but also legal challenges. Key areas to watch include spectrum allocation regulations, ensuring fair competition among providers, and protecting consumer data privacy under existing and potentially updated laws. Successful 5G implementation will require a balanced approach that fosters innovation while safeguarding public interests.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore the crucial balance Costa Rica must strike as it embraces 5G technology. Navigating the legal complexities of spectrum allocation and data privacy will be just as vital as the technological advancements themselves, ensuring a fair and secure digital future for all Ticos. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this important topic.
Among the issues raised by the appellants were the reordering of items and the quotation format, the justification for the chosen procurement procedure, the proposed mobile network architecture (D-RAN and Open RAN), cybersecurity requirements, and licensing stipulations.
The CGR’s decision, documented in resolution R-DCP-SICOP-01621-2025, mandates that ICE address the concerns raised and amend the tender accordingly. This necessitates a postponement of the bid opening date, pushing back the anticipated 5G rollout.
The appeals that were rejected came from Ericsson Costa Rica S.A., Samsung Electronics México S.A. de C.V., Datasys Group S.A., and One Way Technologies S.A. Conversely, the appeals partially upheld were filed by GBM de Costa Rica S.A., Huawei Technologies Costa Rica S.A., Samer Equipos R.S.C. S.A., and AFN Global S.R.L.
The CGR’s involvement in the process now concludes, leaving the next steps to ICE. The institute must carefully consider the Comptroller’s ruling and revise its tender documents before announcing a new bidding timeline. This delay represents a setback for Costa Rica’s 5G aspirations, as the country strives to keep pace with global technological advancements.
This situation highlights the complexities of deploying new telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The balance between encouraging competition, ensuring security, and adhering to regulatory requirements is a delicate one. The outcome of this revised tender will undoubtedly shape the future of 5G in Costa Rica.
The delay also raises questions about the potential impact on Costa Rican consumers and businesses. The promise of 5G technology, with its faster speeds and lower latency, is expected to revolutionize various sectors, from healthcare and education to manufacturing and entertainment. Any delays in its implementation could hinder economic growth and limit opportunities for innovation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE)
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is a Costa Rican state-owned telecommunications and electricity company. It holds a monopoly on telecommunications services in the country and is responsible for the development and maintenance of the national electricity grid. ICE plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s infrastructure and its move towards adopting new technologies like 5G.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Contraloría General de la República (CGR)
About Contraloría General de la República (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República (CGR) is the supreme audit institution of Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing public funds and ensuring the proper and efficient use of resources by government entities. The CGR plays a vital role in maintaining transparency and accountability within the public sector.
For further information, visit ericsson.com
About Ericsson Costa Rica S.A.:
Ericsson is a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company. It is a major player in the development and deployment of 5G technology globally. Ericsson Costa Rica S.A. is the local subsidiary involved in providing telecommunications solutions within Costa Rica.
For further information, visit samsung.com
About Samsung Electronics México S.A. de C.V.:
Samsung Electronics is a South Korean multinational electronics corporation. It is a major manufacturer of consumer electronics, including smartphones and network equipment. Samsung Electronics México S.A. de C.V. is a regional subsidiary covering Mexico and often participates in projects in Central America.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Datasys Group S.A.
About Datasys Group S.A.:
Datasys Group S.A. appears to be a technology company that likely operates in Costa Rica. More information is needed to provide a detailed description.
For further information, visit the nearest office of One Way Technologies S.A.
About One Way Technologies S.A.:
One Way Technologies S.A. appears to be a technology company potentially involved in telecommunications or related fields in Costa Rica. Further information is needed for a comprehensive description.
For further information, visit the nearest office of GBM de Costa Rica S.A.
About GBM de Costa Rica S.A.:
GBM de Costa Rica S.A. appears to be a technology company operating in Costa Rica. More specific information is needed to provide a complete overview.
For further information, visit huawei.com
About Huawei Technologies Costa Rica S.A.:
Huawei Technologies is a Chinese multinational technology company that provides telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics. It is a leading global provider of 5G technology. Huawei Technologies Costa Rica S.A. is the local subsidiary operating within Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Samer Equipos R.S.C. S.A.
About Samer Equipos R.S.C. S.A.:
Samer Equipos R.S.C. S.A. appears to be a company potentially involved in equipment supply, possibly related to the technology or telecommunications sector in Costa Rica. More details are needed to provide a more accurate description.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AFN Global S.R.L.
About AFN Global S.R.L.:
AFN Global S.R.L. is a company whose specific area of expertise is unclear based on the available information. It might operate in the technology or related sectors. Further details are required to provide a complete description.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution deeply committed to ethical practice and exceptional service. Driven by a passion for innovation, the firm embraces cutting-edge legal strategies while maintaining a steadfast focus on client success across a wide range of industries. Through proactive community engagement and educational initiatives, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and organizations with the legal knowledge necessary to navigate complex challenges and contribute to a more just and informed society.
