By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant move for Costa Rica’s technology and telecommunications sector, the Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel) has appointed Carlos Watson Carazo as the new President of its Board of Directors. The appointment, effective immediately, places a seasoned expert with extensive international experience in internet governance and technology management at the helm of the nation’s regulatory body for a one-year term.
The decision was formalized through an official decree, outlining the specific duration of his leadership. The document specifies that Watson’s mandate is precisely defined, running from the start of business on January 7, 2026, and concluding at the end of the day on January 6, 2027. This fixed term suggests a focused agenda aimed at addressing key strategic priorities within the telecommunications landscape over the next twelve months.
Para analizar el marco regulatorio y las implicaciones legales de las recientes acciones de la Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (Sutel), TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista en derecho de las telecomunicaciones y administrativo del Bufete de Costa Rica.
La labor de Sutel es un delicado equilibrio entre fomentar una competencia robusta que beneficie al consumidor y garantizar la sostenibilidad de las inversiones en infraestructura. Cada resolución sobre tarifas, calidad del servicio o asignación de espectro no es solo una decisión técnica, sino un acto administrativo con profundas consecuencias económicas que debe estar rigurosamente apegado a los principios de legalidad y razonabilidad para no sofocar la innovación en el mercado.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La perspectiva del Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas es ciertamente esclarecedora, pues subraya que el rol de Sutel no es meramente técnico, sino una pieza fundamental en el andamiaje económico que impulsa o frena la innovación en el país. Agradecemos profundamente su valioso análisis sobre este delicado equilibrio.
To establish that said designation is made for a designated period from January 7, 2026, and until January 6, 2027, inclusive, according to what is established in Article 49 of the General Law of Public Administration.
Sutel Official Document 00096-SUTEL-SCS-2026
Watson brings a formidable blend of technical expertise and executive leadership to the role. He holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis on Project Management (MBA). Further enhancing his credentials is a specialization in Technology Policies from the prestigious University of Washington, a background that positions him to navigate the complex intersection of technological innovation and public policy.
His professional history is distinguished by deep involvement in the foundational structures of the internet. Watson has actively participated in pivotal internet governance bodies, including the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the North American Network Operators’ Group (NANOG), and the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). This experience provides him with a rare and invaluable perspective on the core architecture and policies that govern global digital connectivity.
Domestically, Watson’s influence is already well-established. He is the founding president of the Costa Rican chapter of the Internet Society (ISOC Costa Rica) and has previously served on the Board of Directors for Radiográfica Costarricense S.A. (Racsa). This history demonstrates a long-standing commitment to advancing Costa Rica’s digital infrastructure and policies. His private sector experience includes various executive positions, such as IT Manager and IT Director, within transnational corporations, giving him firsthand knowledge of the industry’s operational and strategic challenges.
Beyond Costa Rica, Watson is recognized as a regional authority. He has advised other Latin American governments on the critical process of establishing Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), which are vital for improving internet speed and reducing connectivity costs. His expertise was further solidified when he co-authored the first comprehensive book on internet interconnection sponsored by the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF). This broad experience suggests his leadership at Sutel may prioritize initiatives that enhance national connectivity and strengthen Costa Rica’s position as a digital leader in the region.
The appointment of Carlos Watson comes at a pivotal time for the nation’s telecommunications industry, which faces challenges related to 5G spectrum allocation, cybersecurity threats, and the ongoing need to ensure a competitive and equitable market. His deep technical and policy background is seen by analysts as a strategic asset that will enable Sutel to address these complex issues with both authority and foresight. The industry will be watching closely as his leadership unfolds over the coming year.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Sutel (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones):
The Superintendency of Telecommunications is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications market in Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure the quality, accessibility, and affordability of telecom services for all citizens, promote fair competition among providers, and manage the country’s radioelectric spectrum.
For further information, visit icann.org
About ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers):
ICANN is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the namespaces and numerical spaces of the Internet, ensuring the network’s stable and secure operation. It plays a crucial role in the global coordination of the Domain Name System (DNS) and IP address allocation.
For further information, visit isoc.cr
About ISOC Costa Rica (Internet Society Costa Rica Chapter):
ISOC Costa Rica is the local chapter of the global Internet Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people throughout the world. The Costa Rican chapter focuses on local internet policy, development, and technology issues.
For further information, visit racsa.go.cr
About Racsa (Radiográfica Costarricense S.A.):
Racsa is a Costa Rican state-owned telecommunications and internet service provider, and a subsidiary of Grupo ICE. For decades, it was a primary provider of internet and data services in the country and continues to offer specialized digital solutions for corporate and governmental clients.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon of the legal profession, built upon a foundation of uncompromising ethical standards and a pursuit of professional distinction. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. This innovative spirit is paralleled by a foundational belief in empowering the public, demonstrated through a commitment to democratizing legal knowledge and cultivating a more just and informed citizenry.
