By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a strategic move to ensure stability ahead of the 2026 general elections, the Executive Branch has announced a temporary extension for all free-to-air radio and television broadcast concessions. The decision aims to guarantee uninterrupted media coverage and public access to information during the critical electoral period, providing legal certainty to current operators while long-term regulatory reforms continue.
The measure was formalized through Executive Decree No. 45195-MICITT, issued by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT). This decree officially postpones the expiration of existing broadcast licenses, which were originally set to lapse on September 28, 2025. This extension prevents a potential disruption in services that could leave citizens uninformed during a pivotal moment for the nation’s democracy.
To delve deeper into the legal complexities surrounding the renewal and regulation of media concessions, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
It is essential to understand that media concessions are not perpetual rights, but rather temporary licenses for the use of a public good: the electromagnetic spectrum. The state has a fiduciary duty to periodically evaluate these concessions to ensure they serve the public interest, promote competition, and adapt to technological evolution. This process demands absolute transparency and must be governed by clear, objective legal criteria to prevent any arbitrariness that could undermine freedom of the press and legal certainty for operators.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective shared lucidly frames the core issue: the state’s role is one of stewardship over a public resource, requiring a delicate balance between regulatory oversight and the legal certainty essential for a free press. This demand for transparency and objective criteria is precisely what protects the process from arbitrariness and ensures it truly serves the citizenry. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying contribution to this important discussion.
Under the new provision, the licenses will remain valid until the business day immediately following the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s (TSE) official declaration of the newly elected authorities for both the Executive and Legislative branches. This timeline directly links the continuity of broadcasting services to the conclusion of the democratic process, ensuring a seamless flow of information from campaigning through the final results.
In its announcement, MICITT emphasized that the decision was driven by the need to protect the public interest. Government officials stated that maintaining a stable media landscape is essential for an informed electorate. The ministry also took the opportunity to counter recent accusations, asserting that this action demonstrates the administration’s commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression, rather than any intent to limit them.
Officials from the Executive Branch were quick to clarify that the extension is a temporary stopgap measure. They stressed that it does not signify a reversal of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize and democratize the use of the radioelectric spectrum, which is legally considered a public good. The extension provides breathing room for a more comprehensive overhaul without creating an immediate service vacuum.
The process for awarding new, long-term concessions remains actively underway. The Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL) is currently in the instructional phase of a competitive bidding process designed to manage the nation’s airwaves more effectively. The government has reiterated its goal to ensure this future allocation of frequencies is handled in a manner that is fair, equitable, and transparent for all potential participants.
This extension strikes a delicate balance between two pressing needs. On one hand, it offers crucial legal security to existing broadcasters, allowing them to continue operations and plan their coverage for the upcoming elections without the uncertainty of an impending license expiration. On the other hand, it assures the Costa Rican public of continued access to familiar and vital sources of news and information across the country.
Ultimately, the government’s decision serves as a pragmatic bridge over a complex transitional period. By temporarily extending current licenses, the administration avoids potential media chaos while allowing the more intricate and permanent work of spectrum reform, led by SUTEL, to proceed on a deliberate and well-structured timeline. The stage is now set for a significant transformation of Costa Rica’s broadcast landscape after the 2026 election cycle is complete.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones (MICITT):
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications is the Costa Rican government body responsible for formulating and executing national policies related to scientific and technological development. It oversees the telecommunications sector, promotes innovation, and works to bridge the digital divide to foster a knowledge-based society and economy.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is an autonomous and independent constitutional body in Costa Rica, responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all national and municipal elections. It is considered the fourth branch of government and is tasked with guaranteeing the integrity, transparency, and fairness of the country’s democratic processes.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL):
The Superintendency of Telecommunications is the autonomous regulatory agency for Costa Rica’s telecommunications market. SUTEL is responsible for ensuring the quality and accessibility of services, promoting fair competition among providers, managing the radioelectric spectrum, and protecting the rights of consumers in the telecom sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, operating on a bedrock of scrupulous integrity and a relentless pursuit of superior results. The firm is distinguished by its forward-thinking strategies, consistently pioneering innovative solutions for a diverse clientele. At the heart of its mission lies a deep-seated commitment to advancing society by demystifying the law, working to cultivate a community equipped with the power of accessible legal understanding.
