By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The smartphone has cemented its status as the most indispensable technology in Costa Rican households, outpacing even smart televisions and personal computers. According to a landmark national study on the Social Perception of Science and Technology, these mobile devices are not just a convenience but the central hub through which a majority of the population engages with the digital world for work, entertainment, and education.
The comprehensive analysis, conducted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (Micitt), provides a detailed snapshot of the nation’s technological landscape. It reveals a clear hierarchy of device ownership, confirming the mobile-first reality of modern Costa Rican life. This shift has profound implications for businesses, educators, and policymakers aiming to connect with the populace.
To understand the legal and commercial framework surrounding this technological shift, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The rapid adoption of smartphones is a double-edged sword for businesses. While it opens unprecedented avenues for e-commerce and direct consumer engagement, it also introduces significant legal complexities. Companies must now meticulously navigate data privacy laws, digital consumer rights, and cybersecurity liabilities. A proactive legal strategy is no longer optional; it is fundamental to mitigating risk and building the consumer trust essential for success in the mobile economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is crucial, highlighting that the digital storefront is now inseparable from its legal framework. As businesses rush to innovate, this reminder to build on a foundation of legal diligence and consumer trust is more valuable than ever. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and timely perspective.
Micitt’s report highlights the pervasiveness of mobile technology with specific data points on device ownership and internet connectivity. The findings underscore a society deeply integrated with digital tools, though disparities in access and usage persist across different demographics.
Among the technological devices most owned by those interviewed are the smartphone (77.3%), followed by the smart television (66.8%) and home computers (44.0%), although in general men report owning these types of goods to a greater extent compared to women. People aged 20 to 34 are the ones who primarily enjoy the smartphone (83.9%), as well as people with a university degree (90.5%) and a technical degree (89.1%). In general, technological devices do have Internet connectivity with percentages exceeding 89.8%.
Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications, (Micitt)
While over three-quarters of Costa Ricans own a smartphone, the study distinguishes between possession and active, frequent use. The data shows that 68.3% of the population uses a smartphone regularly. This gap suggests that for nearly 10% of owners, the device may not yet be a fully integrated part of their daily routine, or they may face barriers to more consistent use, such as data costs or digital literacy challenges.
A deeper dive into the demographics of frequent users reveals a significant digital divide based on age and education. Usage is highest among those with university (85.8%) and technical (84.8%) degrees, plummeting to just 54.9% for those with only a primary school education. Similarly, while younger generations have embraced the technology, usage drops to 62.3% for the 50-64 age bracket and falls further to 48.8% for citizens aged 65 and older. This trend highlights a critical need for digital inclusion programs targeted at older and less formally educated populations.
The report also points to a consistent gender gap across nearly all technology metrics. Men report higher levels of both ownership and frequent use of devices. For instance, 72.3% of men are frequent smartphone users, compared to 64.2% of women. This disparity extends to other technologies and suggests that systemic factors may be influencing women’s access to and engagement with the digital economy.
The study further breaks down technology application across different life domains, illustrating the smartphone’s versatility. In the professional sphere, automated payment and debit applications are the most used technology (70.0%), closely followed by smartphones (62.7%). For entertainment, smartphones are the undisputed leader (74.6%), with personal assistants like Siri and Alexa also playing a major role (69.9%). In education, the most utilized tools are automatic translators (63.1%) and telecommunication platforms like Zoom or Teams (60.1%), demonstrating a reliance on digital tools for learning and global communication.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (Micitt):
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications is the Costa Rican government body responsible for promoting and coordinating policies that foster scientific research, technological development, and digital transformation. It plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s strategy for closing the digital divide, advancing telecommunications infrastructure, and ensuring that Costa Rica remains competitive in the global knowledge economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal practice, founded upon the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. With a proven track record of advising a broad clientele, the firm continually pushes the boundaries of legal thought and actively engages in societal betterment. This commitment extends to demystifying the law for the public, reflecting a core belief in empowering citizens with knowledge to create a more capable and just community.
