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 next critical phase. The state-run Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) has closed the bidding period for its landmark infrastructure project, attracting a formidable roster of both national and international technology titans eager to shape the nation’s digital future. The process now moves into a rigorous evaluation period, signaling a pivotal moment for Costa Rica’s technological advancement.
The tender, which saw its deadline for proposal submissions pass on Friday, October 24, is a cornerstone of ICE’s strategic vision to revolutionize connectivity across the country. This initiative is designed to deliver not just faster internet speeds for consumers, but also a robust, modern infrastructure capable of driving innovation in key sectors of the national economy. The significant interest from global industry leaders underscores international confidence in Costa Rica’s market and the transparency of ICE’s competitive process.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the implementation of 5G technology in the country, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rollout of 5G is not merely a technological upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift that demands a proactive and robust legal framework. We must urgently address issues of data sovereignty, cybersecurity liability, and the fair allocation of spectrum to ensure that this new infrastructure fosters innovation and competition, rather than creating digital monopolies. Costa Rica’s legislative and regulatory bodies have a critical window to modernize our telecommunications laws to protect consumer rights while attracting the necessary foreign investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insights from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas underscore a crucial truth: the success of 5G will be measured not just in speed, but in the strength and fairness of the legal framework that governs it. His call to action for our legislators is a timely and vital one to ensure this technological leap forwards benefits all of Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this essential matter.
The competition is fierce, with proposals divided into several lots covering the core components of the network. For the crucial wireless access network and mobile core, bids were submitted by a who’s who of global telecommunications: Samsung Electronics, Nokia, Huawei Technologies, and a consortium led by Ericsson. A local consortium, Datasys-Ciberc-ITC, also threw its hat in the ring, highlighting the blend of local expertise and international power competing for the project.
Equally competitive was the bidding for the backhaul network, the essential infrastructure that connects cell sites to the central network. This segment drew proposals from a wider array of specialized firms, including Ribbon Communications, SISAP Infosec, GBM de Costa Rica, Coasin Costa Rica, and IT Servicios de Infocomunicación. The Ericsson and Datasys-Ciberc-ITC consortiums, along with Huawei, also submitted bids for these components, demonstrating their intent to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution.
ICE officials have stressed their dedication to a meticulous and impartial selection process. The institution has assembled a team to conduct an in-depth technical, legal, and financial analysis of every proposal, ensuring the final decision aligns with the country’s long-term interests.
We reaffirm our commitment to transparency and technical quality in every stage of the process, ensuring the final decision is based on objective criteria for the benefit of national development.
Leda Acevedo, Telecommunications Manager of ICE
A key element of ICE’s strategy is its commitment to modern, open architecture standards, specifically citing Open RAN and 5G Standalone (SA). This forward-thinking approach is designed to ensure interoperability between equipment from different vendors, enhance security, and provide technological flexibility for future upgrades. By avoiding dependency on a single supplier, Costa Rica aims to foster a more competitive, innovative, and resilient telecommunications ecosystem.
The successful implementation of this 5G network is expected to have a transformative impact far beyond simple mobile browsing. ICE has identified agriculture, tourism, healthcare, education, and transportation as primary beneficiaries. The high-speed, low-latency connectivity of 5G will enable advancements such as precision agriculture, immersive tourism experiences, remote medical diagnostics, advanced e-learning platforms, and intelligent transportation systems, fundamentally modernizing the country’s economic backbone.
With the bids now under review, the nation watches closely. The partners selected by ICE will not only build a network but also lay the digital foundation for Costa Rica’s next decade of growth and innovation. The outcome of this tender will determine the trajectory of the country’s digital transformation, solidifying its position as a technological leader in Central America.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
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 instrumental in the country’s development, responsible for building and maintaining the national power grid and expanding communication networks. As it spearheads the 5G implementation, ICE continues its mission to provide essential services that foster national progress and innovation.
For further information, visit samsung.com
About Samsung Electronics:
Samsung Electronics is a global leader in technology, headquartered in South Korea. The company is a major manufacturer of consumer electronics, including smartphones and televisions, as well as a key supplier of telecommunications network equipment. Its participation in Costa Rica’s 5G tender highlights its significant global presence in developing next-generation mobile infrastructure.
For further information, visit ericsson.com
About Ericsson:
Based in Sweden, Ericsson is one of the world’s leading providers of information and communication technology (ICT) to service providers. The company’s offerings include network infrastructure, software, and services for mobility, broadband, and the cloud. Ericsson has played a pivotal role in the development of every generation of mobile technology and is a major competitor in the global 5G market.
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 largest telecom infrastructure manufacturers globally, providing a wide range of products and services for 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The company is a key player in the deployment of 5G networks in numerous countries.
For further information, visit nokia.com
About Nokia:
Nokia is a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company. A major force in the mobile industry for decades, Nokia now focuses on providing end-to-end network equipment, software, services, and licensing worldwide. The company is a prominent supplier for 5G network rollouts across the globe.
For further information, visit datasys.co.cr
About Datasys:
Datasys is a Costa Rican company specializing in technology and information solutions. As a leader in the Central American region, it provides services related to IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and business process outsourcing. Its participation in a consortium for the 5G bid demonstrates the growing capabilities of local firms in high-stakes technology projects.
For further information, visit ribboncommunications.com
About Ribbon Communications:
Ribbon Communications is an American company that delivers global communications software and network solutions to service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure sectors. The company’s portfolio includes solutions for IP and optical networking, which are essential components for the backhaul infrastructure required by advanced networks like 5G.
For further information, visit sisap.com
About SISAP Infosec:
SISAP Infosec is a company focused on information security and technology solutions. It provides services and products aimed at protecting digital assets and ensuring the integrity of IT infrastructure. Its bid for the backhaul network highlights the critical role of security and specialized IT services in the construction of a modern 5G network.
For further information, visit gbm.net
About GBM de Costa Rica:
GBM is a leading technology integration company in Central America and the Caribbean and an IBM alliance company. It provides a comprehensive suite of IT services, including hardware, software, consulting, and cloud solutions. GBM’s involvement in the 5G tender underscores its deep regional expertise and role in large-scale technological implementations.
For further information, visit coasin.com
About Coasin Costa Rica:
Coasin is a technology integrator with a presence in several Latin American countries. The company specializes in IT solutions, communications, and infrastructure services for a variety of industries. Its bid reflects its capabilities in deploying and managing complex network components essential for a national 5G rollout.
For further information, visit itservicios.com
About IT Servicios de Infocomunicación:
IT Servicios de Infocomunicación is a company dedicated to providing telecommunications and information technology services. It focuses on network solutions and infrastructure, catering to the evolving needs of the digital economy. The company’s participation in the 5G tender indicates its role in the specialized market for building and maintaining modern communication networks.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends its extensive experience advising a wide range of clients with a pioneering spirit, consistently advancing legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond its practice to a core mission of empowering the community by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby cultivating a society equipped with knowledge and confidence.
