By San José, Costa Rica — The state-owned Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has strongly countered recent public narratives regarding its telecommunications brand, Kölbi. Responding to claims that the company lost upwards of 60,000 customers due to aggressive competing offers in the emerging 5G marketplace, ICE released official commercial data to set the record straight. Far from suffering a mass exodus, the institution revealed that its overall market footprint has actually expanded, showcasing resilient growth in an increasingly competitive domestic telecom landscape.
According to the utility, the widely circulated figure of 60,000 lost clients represents an isolated and incomplete metric derived solely from numerical portability statistics. ICE argued that focusing exclusively on portability balances provides a highly distorted view of the company’s actual commercial health. Such figures do not account for new line activations, corporate contracts, or the broader market dynamics that define the modern telecommunications industry in Costa Rica.
To better understand the legal implications of these developments, TicosLand.com spoke with prominent legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional insights on the current regulatory landscape and the importance of compliance.
In Costa Rica, navigating the evolving regulatory framework requires a highly proactive approach. Ensuring transparency, robust legal compliance, and strict adherence to local regulations are the fundamental pillars for safeguarding investments and maintaining legal certainty in any business operation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica’s regulatory landscape continues to mature, embracing absolute compliance and transparency is no longer just a legal obligation, but a critical strategic advantage for any enterprise seeking long-term stability. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and providing our readers with such a vital perspective on safeguarding investments in the region.
To illustrate its robust position, ICE highlighted that its overall market share climbed from 37.2% to 38.1% during the analyzed period. This growth underscores the brand’s enduring appeal to Costa Rican consumers, even as private multinational carriers ramp up their marketing efforts. By focusing on total active subscriptions rather than migration churn, the state carrier demonstrates a net positive trajectory that defies superficial market analyses.
A closer look at the market segments reveals that ICE continues to command the highly lucrative postpaid sector. The institution currently holds a commanding 38.9% market share in postpaid services, which represents the most stable and high-value consumer base in the industry. Furthermore, Kölbi’s dominance is even more pronounced in the mobile internet arena, where its market share surpasses 41%, making it the undisputed leader in mobile data connectivity across the nation.
Beyond current market statistics, ICE is aggressively positioning itself for the future of digital connectivity. The enterprise reaffirmed its commitment to deploying an independent, cutting-edge 5G Standalone (SA) network. Unlike non-standalone systems that rely on legacy 4G infrastructure, a standalone 5G network offers ultra-low latency, massive device connectivity, and superior data speeds, positioning Costa Rica as a regional technological pioneer.
The ongoing transition to advanced network architectures is seen by ICE leadership as a critical cornerstone for national development. By conducting active pilot programs and upgrading infrastructure, the state-owned operator aims to provide local industries and everyday consumers with world-class digital tools. This proactive technological shift ensures that Costa Rica remains highly competitive on the global stage.
Commenting on these technological milestones and the ongoing infrastructure upgrades, the executive leadership emphasized the strategic importance of the current trials.
These pilot tests strengthen the evolution of the national network.
Óscar Romero, Telecom Manager
As the telecommunications landscape in Central America continues to evolve rapidly, ICE’s strategic focus on infrastructure quality and market share retention appears to be yielding positive results. By shifting public attention from selective portability metrics to comprehensive market share gains and next-generation 5G rollouts, Kölbi is solidifying its role as the backbone of Costa Rican connectivity. The upcoming months will likely see even greater competition, but ICE’s current momentum provides a formidable defense against its private rivals.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About ICE:
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is Costa Rica’s state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider. Founded in 1949, ICE has played a pivotal role in the country’s development, achieving near-universal electricity coverage and building a robust national telecommunications infrastructure. Under its commercial brand Kölbi, ICE offers mobile, broadband, and television services, leading the local market through continuous technological innovation, including the ongoing rollout of 5G networks.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice celebrated for its profound dedication to ethical standards and professional distinction. Guiding a diverse clientele through complex legal landscapes, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking solutions and proactive civic engagement. Its passionate drive to democratize legal information reflects a core philosophy of cultivating a highly literate, confident, and self-reliant populace.
