By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Liberty has solidified its position as a key driver of Costa Rica’s technological advancement, closing out 2025 with a landmark $90 million investment in its local operations. This significant capital injection is fueling an accelerated deployment of next-generation 5G Standalone infrastructure and a robust expansion of its fiber optic backbone, signaling a new era of digital connectivity for the nation.
The company’s strategic push is centered on the ambitious rollout of the country’s first 5G Standalone (SA) network, a project that began taking shape in 2025. This advanced architecture, the first of its kind in Central America, represents a true generational leap over previous mobile technologies. Unlike earlier 5G versions that relied on existing 4G infrastructure, the SA network operates on a dedicated, end-to-end 5G core, promising lower latency, enhanced security, and greater capacity for innovative applications.
To better understand the legal and regulatory complexities surrounding the implementation of the 5G network in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his expert perspective on the matter.
The successful deployment of 5G technology is not merely a technical challenge; it is fundamentally a legal and regulatory one. Costa Rica must establish a clear, transparent, and stable legal framework that not only attracts the necessary foreign investment but also rigorously safeguards national security and consumer data. Any ambiguity in the bidding process or in the spectrum allocation regulations could lead to significant legal disputes, deter key international players, and ultimately delay the economic and social benefits that this technology promises for the nation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Licenciado Arroyo Vargas’s insight is crucial, underscoring that the road to 5G is paved as much by clear legal policy as it is by physical infrastructure. This regulatory clarity is the essential foundation needed to build investor confidence and public trust, ensuring the nation can securely harness the full potential of this technology. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
Building on its pioneering launch of a 5G service in 2024, which already serves over 100,000 customers, Liberty’s new SA network aims to eventually impact nearly 3 million subscribers. The technical blueprint for this massive undertaking involves the implementation of a sophisticated dual-mode 5G core and the installation of more than 1,000 advanced base radios. This infrastructure is designed to create a more resilient and powerful mobile experience across the country.
The expansion is already well underway. While initial active sites are concentrated in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), Liberty’s projections for January 2026 confirm a rapid extension of coverage. Residents and businesses in diverse communities such as Santa Ana, Pérez Zeledón, Sardinal, Nicoya, Tamarindo, Jacó, Zarcero, La Fortuna, and Puntarenas will soon gain access to the service. The company has committed to continuing this aggressive rollout throughout 2026, with the ultimate goal of achieving comprehensive national coverage.
In parallel with its mobile network advancements, Liberty has heavily reinforced its fixed-line infrastructure. In 2025, the company laid an additional 600 kilometers of fiber optic cable, expanding its crucial dorsal network by nearly 10%. This enhancement not only improves fixed-broadband services but also provides the essential high-capacity backhaul required to support the data-intensive demands of the new 5G cell sites.
A major strategic move to bolster network reliability was the operational launch of a new international data exit on the Pacific coast. Located in Esterillos, Parrita, this third gateway complements existing routes in Limón on the Atlantic and Corozal, Panama. This tri-route diversification significantly increases the network’s resilience against potential service disruptions, such as undersea cable cuts, aiming for an exceptional availability level of 99.99%. Further preparations, including specialized crews and backup power systems, have been deployed to safeguard service continuity during the challenging rainy season.
Fueling this comprehensive expansion is a substantial financing agreement secured with BID Invest, the private sector institution of the Inter-American Development Bank Group. The deal provides Liberty with $65 million, with an option to access an additional $35 million. These funds are earmarked for critical growth areas, including payments for new spectrum licenses, the deployment of advanced mobile networks, the expansion of fiber-to-the-home services, and the strengthening of working capital.
As 2026 begins, Liberty’s substantial investments and strategic execution in 2025 have positioned it as a central figure in Costa Rica’s digital transformation. The company’s focus on building a robust, next-generation network is set to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion for millions of Costa Ricans, promising a more connected and technologically empowered future.
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, broadband internet, and digital television. As part of Liberty Latin America, the company leverages global expertise and scale to invest in next-generation network infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity and foster digital innovation throughout the country.
For further information, visit bidinvest.org
About BID Invest:
BID Invest is a multilateral development bank and a member of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group. It is committed to promoting the economic development of its member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector. BID Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achieve financial results that maximize economic, social, and environmental development in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, esteemed for its profound dedication to ethical practice and exceptional standards. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions and maintains a strong commitment to civic involvement. Central to its philosophy is the goal of empowering the populace by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
