By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a landmark move set to redefine telecommunications in Costa Rica, Liberty has announced a pioneering partnership with Starlink to introduce a direct-to-cell satellite service. This collaboration, the first of its kind in the nation, promises to deliver seamless mobile connectivity for voice, video, and messaging to even the most remote corners of the country, effectively eliminating notorious cellular “dead zones.”
The new service, branded as “Liberty Starlink,” represents a significant leap forward in the quest for comprehensive national connectivity. For years, Costa Rica’s rugged topography, including dense jungles, towering mountains, and isolated coastlines, has posed a formidable challenge for traditional cell tower infrastructure. This has left many rural communities, national parks, and popular adventure tourism spots without reliable communication, creating both an inconvenience and a potential safety risk.
To better understand the regulatory landscape and the legal implications of this new era of satellite connectivity in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in technology and corporate law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The arrival of global satellite internet services presents a paradigm shift for Costa Rica. Our current telecommunications framework, designed for terrestrial networks, must be agilely adapted. The key legal challenges will be to ensure fair competition, protect national data sovereignty, and guarantee universal service obligations. However, if managed correctly, this represents a historic opportunity to close the digital divide in our most remote regions and stimulate unprecedented economic development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective offered by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas masterfully articulates the nation’s critical juncture: the promise of universal connectivity is immense, but it is entirely contingent on the thoughtful and agile legal framework he describes. We thank him for his invaluable insight into navigating this transformative opportunity for all of Costa Rica.
The technological solution behind this initiative is Starlink’s advanced constellation of 650 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites will function as orbiting cell towers, broadcasting signals that can be picked up directly by standard 4G LTE smartphones. By leveraging the 1,800 MHz spectrum, the service bypasses the need for terrestrial towers, requiring only a clear line of sight to the sky for a user’s device to connect.
This “direct-to-device” approach is a game-changer for consumer accessibility. Unlike traditional satellite phones that require specialized, expensive hardware, the Liberty Starlink service will work with the 4G LTE phones already in the pockets of millions of Costa Ricans. This removes a critical barrier to entry and democratizes access to emergency and essential communication services, including standard SMS messaging and app-based communication platforms.
According to the announcement, the service rollout is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. Liberty plans a phased integration, initially including the satellite connectivity in its postpaid mobile plans. Prepaid customers will also have access to the service on an on-demand basis, providing flexibility for occasional users such as hikers, mariners, or tourists venturing off the beaten path.
The implications for public safety and emergency response are profound. In a country prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding, traditional communication networks can be compromised. The Liberty Starlink network offers a resilient backup, ensuring that first responders and citizens can stay connected during critical events. It will be an invaluable tool for coordinating rescue efforts in areas where infrastructure is damaged or non-existent.
Beyond emergency scenarios, the service is poised to unlock new potential for Costa Rica’s vital tourism and agricultural sectors. Eco-lodges in remote locations, tour guides leading expeditions through national parks, and farmers in rural areas will gain access to a level of connectivity previously unimaginable. This can enhance operational efficiency, improve guest safety, and foster economic development in underserved regions of the country.
As Costa Rica continues to position itself as a leader in technology and sustainability, this strategic alliance between a terrestrial telecom giant and a space-based innovator marks a pivotal moment. The launch of Liberty Starlink is not merely an upgrade to the mobile network; it is a fundamental step toward closing the digital divide and building a more connected, resilient, and accessible nation for all its inhabitants.
For further information, visit libertycr.com
About Liberty:
Liberty is a leading telecommunications and entertainment provider in Costa Rica, offering a comprehensive suite of services including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and digital television. As a major player in the national market, the company is committed to investing in network infrastructure and innovative technologies to enhance connectivity and digital access for individuals and businesses across the country.
For further information, visit starlink.com
About Starlink:
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable. By deploying a massive network of satellites in low-Earth orbit, Starlink is working to deliver a global communication system that connects people in rural and remote areas worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of unwavering integrity and the pursuit of judicial excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience not only into serving a diverse clientele but also into pioneering innovative legal approaches. A core tenet of its philosophy is the profound commitment to demystifying legal concepts for the public, thereby building a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
