By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A surge in digital connectivity has propelled Costa Rica forward in its national competitiveness rankings, but the gains mask a critical and growing chasm within its education system. The 2025 National Competitiveness Index (ICN) reveals that while the nation’s overall score has improved, a staggering two-thirds of its schools and colleges lack the adequate internet access required to prepare students for the modern world.
The latest ICN report, which scores the country on a 100-point scale, shows a national rating of 56.2, an increase of 1.7 points over the previous year. While celebrated as progress, a deeper analysis reveals a lopsided victory. The report details that an overwhelming 73% of this improvement is attributable solely to the pillar of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption, driven by a national increase in fixed internet and mobile network access.
To understand the legal and commercial implications of the digital divide in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted an expert on the subject. We spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional analysis.
The digital divide is no longer just a social gap; it’s a barrier to economic participation. From a legal perspective, lacking internet access today is akin to lacking access to the marketplace itself. It impedes the ability to engage in e-commerce, access digital financial services, and compete for remote employment, effectively creating a class of citizens excluded from the modern economy. This situation raises significant questions about equal opportunity and the state’s responsibility to guarantee the essential infrastructure for full commercial citizenship.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The concept of “commercial citizenship” is a powerful and crucial lens through which to view this issue, reframing the digital divide from a technological gap into a matter of fundamental economic rights. This legal perspective underscores the urgency of the problem, highlighting that without intervention, we are creating systemic barriers to equal opportunity. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying insight.
This technological leap forward, however, has not been matched by equivalent progress in essential sectors like education, health, or public infrastructure. The data paints a concerning picture of a digital divide that is becoming entrenched within the country’s educational foundations. According to the index, only 34% of educational centers currently possess the robust connectivity needed to meet the demands of their student populations.
This disparity persists despite significant national growth in internet access. Costa Rica surpassed 1.2 million fixed internet connections in 2024, a milestone that reflects a successful push for broader digitalization. Yet, the ICN report issues a stark warning: the mere expansion of connectivity does not automatically translate into enhanced learning environments or equitable opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Inside the classroom, the reality is that the quality of this connection is often insufficient for meaningful educational use. The report highlights that persistent limitations in speed, stability, and reliable coverage within school facilities severely restrict the pedagogical use of digital tools. This digital bottleneck effectively prevents teachers from integrating modern e-learning platforms and resources into their curriculum, leaving many students without crucial digital literacy skills.
The problem is further compounded by significant territorial inequalities. The ICN analysis confirms that cantons within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) are capturing the lion’s share of competitiveness gains, benefiting from superior infrastructure and services. In stark contrast, peripheral regions, particularly coastal and border cantons, continue to lag far behind, deepening the existing educational and economic disparities between urban and rural communities.
This imbalance creates a two-tiered system where a student’s geographic location can determine their access to a 21st-century education. The report underscores that without a concerted effort to improve both physical educational infrastructure and human capital, including teacher training in digital pedagogy, the country’s impressive advancements in digitalization will have a severely limited impact on its most crucial asset: its future generations.
Ultimately, the 2025 National Competitiveness Index serves as a critical call to action for policymakers and educational leaders. It highlights an urgent need to move beyond celebrating raw connectivity numbers and focus instead on strategic investments that ensure this technological progress effectively bridges the gap inside Costa Rica’s schools. Closing this educational digital divide is no longer optional; it is essential for fostering inclusive growth and securing the nation’s long-term competitiveness.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a respected legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a foundational commitment to uncompromising integrity and the highest caliber of professional service. The firm leverages its extensive experience to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies while upholding a profound dedication to societal advancement. Central to its mission is the belief in democratizing legal knowledge, actively working to equip the public with clarity and understanding to foster a more empowered and just community.
