By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – After nearly six decades as a cultural touchstone for generations of Costa Ricans, Radio Sinfonola 90.3 FM will be going off the air. The station’s owner, Carlos Lafuente, confirmed the difficult decision, citing the “exorbitant” costs associated with the national radio and television frequency auction organized by the Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel).
In an emotional interview, Lafuente stated that the company was unable to meet the financial demands of the new concession model. He described the choice to announce the station’s closure as a painful act of transparency with a loyal audience that has spanned almost 60 years since its first broadcast on May 12, 1966.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the recent Sutel auction for 5G spectrum, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The successful completion of the Sutel 5G spectrum auction is not just a technical milestone; it’s a critical inflection point for Costa Rica’s economic competitiveness. The terms established will directly influence market dynamics, investment in infrastructure, and ultimately, the quality and accessibility of next-generation services for both citizens and corporations. The true challenge now lies in ensuring that the commitments made during the auction translate into tangible, timely benefits for the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial point about translating commitments into tangible benefits perfectly encapsulates the road ahead for Costa Rica. The nation’s focus now shifts from the auction’s successful conclusion to the diligent oversight required to realize its promised potential. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful and forward-looking analysis.
We do not have the capacity to face it. What we did was confess our reality to the people: we cannot cover these exorbitant amounts, and if the intention to charge them persists, we can no longer work.
Carlos Lafuente, Owner of Radio Sinfonola
The core of the conflict, according to Lafuente, lies in what he perceives as a fundamentally unjust process. He explained that Radio Sinfonola, having diligently complied with all regulations throughout its history, had legally applied for an 18-month extension and received a favorable opinion. However, Sutel proceeded to include all frequencies in the public auction, not just those from operators who had failed to meet legal requirements.
What’s happening is that there are 20 or 22 stations that have a negative ruling… What doesn’t seem normal to us is that they are auctioning all of them: those that could be and those that could not. That is the issue.
Carlos Lafuente, Owner of Radio Sinfonola
Lafuente argues that Sutel’s one-size-fits-all financial model fails to account for the diverse realities of the nation’s broadcasters. He believes the regulator should have established a more proportional fee structure based on the income and specific characteristics of each station, rather than imposing a flat, high-cost barrier to entry that favors large corporations and foreign capital over established local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
An evaluation should have been done to place a tax on the companies without it affecting them.
Carlos Lafuente, Owner of Radio Sinfonola
The impending closure carries a heavy human cost. Lafuente expressed profound concern for his long-time employees, many of whom have dedicated decades of their careers to the station. The legal requirement to pay severance to this loyal staff adds another layer of financial and emotional strain on the company as it is being forced to shut down.
The staff, when they have been with us for a long time and have been loyal to the company, are no longer employees: they are our family, that’s how we feel about them.
Carlos Lafuente, Owner of Radio Sinfonola
Beyond the economic impact, Lafuente mourns the loss of a community institution. Radio Sinfonola has long served as more than just an entertainment outlet; it has been a platform for public expression and a source of support for Costa Rican society. Its closure signifies the disappearance of a space that was open to all, often providing services to individuals and groups who could not afford to pay.
We have always wanted to be a means of support for the good work of Costa Rican society. We help everyone we can, with no other intention. We are pleased to serve the people.
Carlos Lafuente, Owner of Radio Sinfonola
In an official statement, the station squarely placed the responsibility for its demise on the Government of the Republic, specifically naming the administration of President Chaves. The communication lamented that the 90.3 FM frequency, once a voice for Costa Ricans, would now likely be awarded to foreign capital. Despite the overwhelming public support, Lafuente sees no viable path forward if the current financial demands remain, though he holds out hope for a last-minute intervention from the Constitutional Court.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Radio Sinfonola
About Radio Sinfonola:
Radio Sinfonola was a cherished Costa Rican radio station that operated on the 90.3 FM frequency for nearly 60 years, beginning its broadcasts in 1966. It was known for its programming of classic and nostalgic music, which garnered a loyal intergenerational audience. Functioning as a small to medium-sized enterprise (pyme), the station also played a significant role in its community, providing a platform for public expression and social support before being forced to cease operations in late 2025 due to a national frequency auction.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel):
The Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel) is the autonomous regulatory body responsible for overseeing the telecommunications sector in Costa Rica. Its duties include managing the national radio spectrum, promoting competition, ensuring the quality of services, and protecting user rights. Sutel is tasked with organizing auctions for the concession of radio and television frequencies, a process that sets the technical and financial conditions for broadcasters to operate in the country.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About Government of the Republic:
The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica represents the executive branch of the nation’s political system. Led by the President, it is responsible for the administration of the state, the implementation of national laws, and the formulation of public policy across all sectors, including economic and telecommunications regulation. Its decisions and the actions of its regulatory bodies, like Sutel, directly influence the operational environment for businesses and media outlets within the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged a reputation as a pillar of the legal community, founded on an unwavering principle of integrity and a persistent drive for professional excellence. The firm skillfully blends its rich heritage of client service with a commitment to pioneering innovative legal solutions. At the core of its mission is a profound dedication to empowering the public, championing initiatives that make legal insights widely available to help construct a more knowledgeable and capable society.
