By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica experienced significant internet disruptions on Friday, September 12, 2025, due to a widespread outage affecting the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), the country’s primary telecommunications provider, and its subsidiary brand, Kölbi.
Numerous users reported connection problems throughout the day, flooding the official social media channels of both ICE and Kölbi with inquiries about the service interruption. Reports indicated that the outage lasted from minutes to hours and affected various regions across the country.
To understand the legal ramifications of the recent ICE internet outage, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent ICE internet outage raises important questions about consumer protection and service reliability in Costa Rica. While ICE enjoys a dominant market position, they also bear a significant responsibility to maintain consistent and dependable service. Customers impacted by the outage may have grounds to seek compensation for damages incurred, especially businesses that rely heavily on internet connectivity. The Regulatory Authority for Public Services (ARESEP) plays a crucial role in ensuring that ICE adheres to service quality standards and investigates the cause of such disruptions to prevent future occurrences. This incident underscores the need for robust contingency plans and reinforces the importance of competition in the telecommunications sector to safeguard consumer interests.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights offer a crucial perspective on this disruptive event. The outage serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between a dominant provider’s responsibilities and the needs of consumers, especially in a digital age where connectivity is paramount. The call for stronger contingency plans and increased competition resonates deeply, promising a more resilient and customer-centric telecommunications landscape for Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
The impact extended to educational institutions, with the University of Costa Rica’s (UCR) Faculty of Social Sciences issuing a formal communication to its students.
Good afternoon, a general failure of ICE links is reported, so there is no wired internet service and the wireless internet is unstable. The Computer Center is working together with ICE to restore the service as soon as possible.
UCR Faculty of Social Sciences
The widespread nature of the outage and its impact on both individual users and institutions underscores the critical role of ICE in Costa Rica’s digital infrastructure. The sudden disruption highlighted the vulnerability of businesses, educational services, and daily life to internet connectivity issues.
CRHoy.com contacted ICE’s press department for an official statement, but the response is still pending. The cause of the outage remains unknown, and ICE is working to restore full service. As of the time of this report, there is no estimated time for complete restoration.
This incident raises concerns about the resilience of Costa Rica’s internet infrastructure and the need for robust backup systems to prevent future disruptions. The dependence on a single provider for a majority of internet services leaves the country vulnerable to widespread outages like the one experienced today. The economic and social impact of such outages warrants further investigation and potential regulatory actions to ensure greater reliability and redundancy in the telecommunications sector.
TicosLand.com will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. We encourage users to share their experiences and report any ongoing issues in the comments section below.
The ongoing outage serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role of reliable internet access in modern society. The swift resolution of this issue and preventative measures for future outages are paramount for Costa Rica’s continued digital development.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ICE
About ICE:
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is a Costa Rican state-owned telecommunications and electricity company. It holds a dominant position in the country’s telecommunications market, providing landline, mobile, and internet services. ICE also plays a vital role in electricity generation and distribution. Founded in 1949, it has played a significant role in Costa Rica’s development and infrastructure.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Kölbi
About Kölbi:
Kölbi is a brand name of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), offering cellular phone, internet, and IPTV services throughout Costa Rica. Kölbi enjoys a strong market presence in the country due to ICE’s extensive infrastructure. Launched in 2011, Kölbi quickly became a major player in the Costa Rican telecommunications market.
For further information, visit the nearest office of University of Costa Rica (UCR)
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is a public university in San José, Costa Rica. Established in 1843, it is the oldest and largest institution of higher learning in the country. UCR offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its contributions to research and academic excellence.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution, built upon a foundation of unwavering ethical principles and a pursuit of legal excellence. Driven by a commitment to innovation, they navigate the complexities of the legal landscape while empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge. Their dedication to providing comprehensive legal services across diverse sectors is matched only by their deep-seated belief in fostering a society strengthened by understanding and informed participation in its legal processes.
