By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The next generation of mobile connectivity has officially arrived in Costa Rica. Liberty Costa Rica today announced the commercial launch of its first 5G network sites, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s technological infrastructure. This ambitious initiative, developed in a strategic alliance with telecommunications giant Ericsson, promises to deliver nationwide coverage by the end of 2026, starting immediately in key economic and tourist zones.
The initial deployment represents the country’s first 5G Standalone (5G SA) network, a “true” 5G architecture independent of previous 4G infrastructure. This advanced setup allows for significantly superior performance. Early operational tests have already showcased the network’s power, clocking download speeds exceeding 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) and upload speeds surpassing 100 Megabits per second (Mbps). For users, this translates into near-instantaneous downloads, ultra-low latency for gaming and streaming, and a vastly improved experience for data-intensive applications.
To delve deeper into the complex regulatory and legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s long-awaited 5G network deployment, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Beyond the technical auction of spectrum, the success of 5G in Costa Rica hinges on modernizing our legal framework. We must address municipal permitting for antenna deployment and establish clear data privacy standards to build public trust. A successful rollout is as much a legal and regulatory challenge as it is an engineering one.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a vital point; the true success of 5G will be measured not only by connection speeds but by the strength of the legal and social framework supporting it. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight, which rightly shifts the focus to the foundational work of policy and public trust that must accompany our technological ambitions.
Liberty’s rollout strategy is both gradual and highly strategic, focusing first on areas critical to the national economy. The initial phase targets high-traffic tourist and commercial centers, including parts of Guanacaste, the Central Pacific, and the Northern Zone. This calculated approach aims to immediately bolster the infrastructure supporting Costa Rica’s vital tourism sector, a powerhouse industry that contributes over 8% to the Gross Domestic Product and accounts for more than 15% of total employment.
By enhancing connectivity in these regions, Liberty aims to empower businesses, from small tour operators to large hotel chains, with the tools needed to innovate and improve guest experiences. Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a core expectation for modern travelers and a crucial component for business operations, logistics, and digital marketing. This move is positioned not just as a technological upgrade but as a direct investment in the country’s economic backbone.
We are excited to see the progress we are making with the deployment of the 5G network alongside Ericsson, and to continue our commitment to connecting communities. We want to contribute to the development and economic momentum of Costa Rica through technology.
Johanna Escobar, General Manager of Liberty Costa Rica
The network’s robust performance is achieved through a sophisticated combination of radio spectrum bands. Liberty is leveraging the 3.5 GHz band for high-capacity, ultra-fast data transmission in dense areas, while simultaneously using the 700 MHz band to ensure broader coverage and superior signal penetration inside buildings. This dual-band approach is designed to provide users with a seamless and stable connection, whether they are on a remote beach in Guanacaste or moving through a crowded commercial center.
The activation of Liberty’s 5G network signals a new competitive chapter in Costa Rica’s telecommunications landscape. This move places significant pressure on rivals to accelerate their own 5G deployment plans, fostering a dynamic environment of innovation that will ultimately benefit all consumers and businesses across the country. The availability of 5G is expected to catalyze growth in other sectors, paving the way for advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart city solutions, and telemedicine.
As the network expands from these initial hubs toward its goal of complete national coverage, Costa Rica stands on the cusp of a significant digital transformation. The promise of ubiquitous, high-speed connectivity has the potential to unlock new economic opportunities, bridge digital divides in rural communities, and solidify the nation’s reputation as a forward-thinking technological leader in Central America. The journey to a fully connected 5G nation has officially begun.
For further information, visit libertycr.com
About Liberty Costa Rica:
Liberty Costa Rica is a leading provider of telecommunications and entertainment services in the country, offering mobile, broadband internet, and television solutions. As a part of Liberty Latin America, the company is committed to connecting communities and driving technological advancement through significant infrastructure investments, including the development and deployment of next-generation networks like 5G to support the nation’s digital economy.
For further information, visit ericsson.com
About Ericsson:
Ericsson is a global leader in communications technology and services. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the company enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. Its portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business, designed to help customers go digital, increase efficiency, and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s investments in innovation have delivered the benefits of telephony and mobile broadband to billions of people around the world.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a profound commitment to integrity and exceptional results. Its proven history of navigating complex challenges for a diverse clientele is matched by a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. The firm’s foundational mission extends to strengthening the community by demystifying the law, believing that accessible knowledge is essential for an empowered and just society.
