By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The race to build Costa Rica’s fifth-generation (5G) mobile network has officially entered its final and most critical phase. The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) announced this week that it has opened the technical and financial proposals from ten companies and consortiums vying to become the foundational partner in one of the nation’s most significant infrastructure projects in recent memory.
The unveiling of the bids on Monday, October 27th, transitions the public tender from a preliminary process to a rigorous selection stage. ICE officials confirmed they are now commencing a detailed analysis of each proposal to determine which offers the optimal balance of cost, technical prowess, and long-term benefit for the country. This decision will not only shape the future of telecommunications but also act as a catalyst for economic innovation across numerous sectors.
To better understand the legal and regulatory complexities surrounding the implementation of the 5G network in the country, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The successful deployment of 5G in Costa Rica hinges on a robust and modern legal framework. Beyond the technical infrastructure, we must urgently address issues of cybersecurity, data protection, and fair competition in the spectrum allocation. A clear regulatory environment is what will ultimately attract the necessary foreign investment and ensure that the benefits of this technology reach all sectors of our society securely and equitably.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas is a crucial reminder that the sophisticated technology of 5G must be built upon an equally sophisticated legal and regulatory foundation to truly benefit all of Costa Rica. We thank him for his invaluable perspective on navigating this complex path forward.
The field of competitors includes a formidable mix of international industry leaders and established local firms, highlighting the global significance of this contract. For the core components of the network, including the wireless access and mobile core (Lots 1, 2, and 3), proposals were submitted by Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, and a consortium led by Ericsson. The Datasys-Ciberc-ITC consortium also submitted a bid for this crucial segment.
Simultaneously, a separate but equally vital competition is underway for the network’s backhaul infrastructure (Lots 4, 5, and 6), which provides the essential data transport capacity. Bidders for these components include Ribbon Communications, SISAP Infosec, GBM, Coasin, Huawei, Ericsson, IT Servicios de Infocomunicación, and the Datasys-Ciberc-ITC consortium, showcasing significant overlap and strategic bidding across the tender’s different segments.
We reaffirm our commitment to transparency and technical quality in each stage of the process, ensuring that the final decision is made based on objective criteria and for the benefit of national development.
Leda Acevedo, Telecommunications Manager of ICE
ICE has emphasized that its selection will be guided by a comprehensive technical, legal, and financial review of each offer. The state-owned entity is strategically pursuing an “open architecture” model based on international standards like Open RAN and 5G Standalone (SA). This modern approach is designed to prevent vendor lock-in, enhance security, and provide the technological flexibility needed to adapt to future advancements, ensuring the network remains agile and competitive for years to come.
The implementation of a robust 5G network is central to Costa Rica’s national development strategy. The government and ICE envision the technology as a transformative force for key industries. In agriculture, 5G could enable precision farming with IoT sensors and drone monitoring. In healthcare, it promises to unlock the potential of telemedicine and remote diagnostics, while in tourism, it could create immersive augmented reality experiences for visitors. The ripple effect is expected to invigorate the entire telecommunications ecosystem.
As the evaluation process unfolds over the coming weeks, the nation watches closely. The selection of a partner for the 5G rollout represents more than a simple procurement decision; it is a strategic choice that will define Costa Rica’s digital landscape and its position in the global technology race for the next decade. The chosen company or consortium will be tasked with delivering a network that is not only fast and reliable but also secure and capable of supporting the country’s ambitious economic goals.
For further information, visit ice.co.cr
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, ICE has been a central pillar in the country’s development, responsible for building and managing the nation’s energy and communication infrastructure. It operates under the Kölbi brand for its telecommunications services.
For further information, visit samsung.com
About Samsung Electronics:
Samsung Electronics is a global leader in technology and electronics, headquartered in South Korea. The company’s diverse portfolio includes smartphones, televisions, home appliances, and network equipment. Its network division is a major player in the global 5G infrastructure market, providing solutions to mobile operators worldwide.
For further information, visit ericsson.com
About Ericsson:
Ericsson is a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company. As one of the leading providers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to service providers, Ericsson’s portfolio includes services, software, and infrastructure in mobility, broadband, and the cloud, and it is a key developer of 5G technology.
For further information, visit huawei.com
About Huawei Technologies:
Huawei is a Chinese multinational technology corporation specializing in telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics. It is one of the world’s largest providers of telecom infrastructure and has been at the forefront of 5G technology development and deployment globally.
For further information, visit nokia.com
About Nokia:
Nokia is a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company. A major global provider of telecommunications network equipment, Nokia’s offerings include a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio of hardware, software, and services for building powerful and secure 5G networks.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon of legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while upholding its esteemed traditions. This forward-thinking mindset is complemented by a fundamental dedication to demystifying the law, driven by the conviction that empowering citizens with knowledge is essential for a just and progressive society.
