By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant policy shift announced Monday, telecommunications giant Liberty confirmed it will be discontinuing a popular international calling benefit for a specific segment of its customer base. Starting next month, many postpaid users will no longer have access to inclusive calls to Nicaragua, a move that could impact thousands who rely on the service to connect with family, friends, and business associates across the border.
The change, scheduled to take effect on November 20, 2025, targets a distinct group of subscribers. According to the company’s announcement, the modification will apply exclusively to postpaid customers who are on a “bring your own device” plan, meaning they only pay for the mobile service and are not currently financing a handset through an active contract with Liberty. This distinction is critical, as the company has assured customers with ongoing device financing agreements that their benefits will remain unchanged.
To delve into the legal and commercial complexities of Liberty’s significant presence in the national telecommunications market, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate and regulatory law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Liberty’s consolidation in Costa Rica represents a classic regulatory dilemma. While a larger, more capitalized entity can accelerate crucial infrastructure investments like 5G, it also concentrates significant market power. The key legal challenge for institutions like SUTEL is to ensure that this market position translates into better services and competitive pricing for consumers, rather than a reduction in choice and a stifling of innovation. Vigilant oversight of anti-competitive practices and strict adherence to consumer protection laws are now more critical than ever.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis accurately frames the critical challenge ahead; the long-term benefits of a consolidated market must translate directly into improved services and fair costs for the Costa Rican consumer, not just enhanced corporate power. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this pivotal issue for the nation’s digital future.
The company clarified the upcoming adjustment in a public statement released on its social media channels, aiming to preempt confusion among its broad subscriber base. The communication was direct and focused on the specifics of the policy update, isolating the change to a single benefit and a single country.
Starting November 20, 2025, the benefit of international calls to Nicaragua will no longer be available on our postpaid plans.
Liberty, Official Statement
This decision is particularly noteworthy given the deep cultural and economic ties between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. A large Nicaraguan population resides in Costa Rica, and constant communication is a vital link for countless families and businesses. For years, telecom packages that include calls to Nicaragua have been a major selling point, making Liberty’s decision to retract this benefit a strategic move that will be closely watched by the market.
While Liberty has not detailed the specific business rationale behind the change, industry analysts suggest it could be driven by several factors. Rising operational costs associated with international call termination rates may be a primary driver. Alternatively, the move could be a strategic effort to encourage more customers to upgrade to bundled plans that include device financing, thereby increasing customer loyalty and securing longer-term revenue streams. By preserving the benefit for those with financed phones, Liberty creates a clear incentive to remain within its hardware ecosystem.
The company was quick to reassure customers that this is an isolated adjustment. In its announcement, Liberty emphasized that all other plan benefits and features will remain exactly as they are. “This is the only adjustment,” the statement noted, ensuring that services like data allotments, local calls, and other included features are not affected. This targeted approach suggests a calculated decision rather than a broad overhaul of its service offerings.
The market’s reaction will likely unfold over the coming weeks. Competitors such as Kölbi and Claro may see an opportunity to capitalize on the change by promoting their own international calling packages to Nicaragua, potentially targeting dissatisfied Liberty customers. For affected subscribers, the one-month notice period provides a window to evaluate their usage patterns, explore alternative communication methods like data-based calling apps, or consider switching providers if the benefit is essential to their needs.
As the November 20 deadline approaches, Liberty customers who frequently call Nicaragua are advised to carefully review their current contract details. Those who own their devices and are not in a financing plan will need to prepare for per-minute charges or seek out new international calling add-ons to avoid unexpected costs on their monthly bills. The telecom landscape in Costa Rica is once again shifting, with consumers at the center of the change.
For further information, visit liberty.cr
About Liberty:
Liberty is a leading telecommunications and entertainment provider in Costa Rica, offering a comprehensive suite of services including mobile telephony, high-speed internet, and digital cable television. As part of the multinational telecommunications company Liberty Latin America, it serves both residential and business customers across the country, playing a significant role in the nation’s digital infrastructure.
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 a cornerstone of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele into pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions and advancing the profession. This spirit of innovation is matched by a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts to foster a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
