By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s broadcasting landscape is on the verge of a significant transformation as the Telecommunications Superintendency (Sutel) has officially received 25 competitive bids for new radio and television frequencies. The high-stakes auction, which includes coveted national television channels and FM radio slots, has attracted the nation’s largest media conglomerates, religious organizations, and regional players, all vying for a greater share of the airwaves. Preliminary estimates suggest the process could inject more than $9.8 million (over ¢4.9 billion) into state coffers.
The auction places a total of 25 valuable frequencies on the block, promising to reshape how Costa Ricans consume media. The available assets include four national television channels, a substantial block of 17 national FM frequencies, three regional FM frequencies, and one national AM frequency. This release of spectrum is one of the most significant in recent history and has intensified competition among established and emerging media entities looking to expand their reach and influence.
To delve into the legal and commercial complexities surrounding the recent spectrum auction managed by the Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel), TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in administrative and regulatory law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
This auction represents a critical juncture for Costa Rica’s connectivity, but its success cannot be measured solely by the revenue generated. The defining factor will be the post-auction regulatory environment. It is crucial that the established conditions promote fair competition, prevent monopolistic practices, and mandate the efficient use of the spectrum to deliver tangible benefits in quality and coverage to consumers, thereby avoiding the risk of it becoming a mere speculative asset for the victors.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective crucially shifts the focus from the event of the auction to the long-term responsibility of regulatory oversight. The ultimate success will be measured not in colones collected, but in the tangible enhancement of connectivity and competition for all Costa Ricans. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and valuable contribution to this important national discussion.
In the television sector, a fierce battle is unfolding among the country’s most dominant players. Repretel S.A. has made the most aggressive move, submitting offers for two of the four available national TV channels. Not to be outdone, its primary competitor, Televisora de Costa Rica S.A., known as Teletica, has bid for one national television channel. The fourth available channel is being pursued by ExtraNet S.R.L., signaling a clear intent by these three groups to secure the entirety of the national television spectrum up for grabs.
The competition for radio dominance is equally intense, particularly on the popular FM band. Central de Radios (CDR) has emerged as a major contender, placing bids for an impressive seven national FM frequencies. This ambitious strategy positions CDR to potentially become one of the largest radio operators in the country. Teletica and ExtraNet have also diversified their interests by bidding for two and one national FM frequencies, respectively, underscoring a broader strategy to control both television and radio platforms.
A notable trend in this auction is the strong participation from religious organizations, reflecting a growing movement to utilize mass media for outreach and community building. Five separate religious groups are competing for national FM frequencies, including the International Passion for Souls Association, the Adventist Church’s Telecommunications System, the International Charismatic Mission of Cartago, the Faro del Caribe Communications Association, and Radio María Association. Their involvement indicates a diversification of voices seeking access to the national discourse via the airwaves.
While much of the focus is on the national stage, the auction also addresses demand for localized content. Bids for regional FM frequencies highlight a strategic interest in serving specific communities. The BBN-FM Consortium has targeted the Chorotega region, while two separate companies, Audios del Sur S.A. and Radio Ochenta y Ocho Estéreo S.A., are competing for broadcast rights in the Brunca region. This regional focus ensures that the expansion of the spectrum will also benefit audiences outside the Central Valley.
Even the traditional AM band has attracted interest, with the BBN-AM Consortium submitting the sole bid for the single national AM frequency available. While FM and television draw more competitive bids, this offer demonstrates that AM radio continues to hold strategic value for certain broadcasters aiming for widespread national coverage, particularly for news, talk, and religious programming formats.
As Sutel moves forward with the evaluation of these 25 proposals, the outcome is poised to redefine media ownership and competition in Costa Rica for years to come. The results will not only determine which companies expand their footprint but will also shape the variety and nature of the content available to the public. With over $9.8 million on the line and the future of the nation’s airwaves at stake, all eyes are on the final allocation of these critical broadcast assets.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (Sutel):
Sutel is the official regulatory body for the telecommunications sector in Costa Rica. It is responsible for ensuring the quality and accessibility of services, promoting fair competition among operators, and managing the country’s radioelectric spectrum, including the allocation of broadcast frequencies.
For further information, visit repretel.com
About Repretel S.A.:
Representaciones Televisivas Repretel S.A. is one of Costa Rica’s leading media corporations. It operates several national television channels, including Channel 6, Channel 11, and Channel 4, offering a wide range of news, entertainment, and sports programming to a national audience.
For further information, visit teletica.com
About Televisora de Costa Rica S.A. (Teletica):
Teletica is a major Costa Rican media company and a primary competitor to Repretel. It operates the flagship Channel 7, along with other platforms like Teletica.com and a cable television channel. The company is a key provider of national news, telenovelas, and live event coverage.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Central de Radios (CDR)
About Central de Radios (CDR):
Central de Radios is a prominent radio broadcasting consortium in Costa Rica. It manages a portfolio of popular radio stations with diverse formats, including music, news, and talk shows, catering to a wide range of listener demographics across the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Asociación Internacional Pasión por las Almas
About Asociación Internacional Pasión por las Almas:
The International Passion for Souls Association is a religious organization focused on evangelism and community outreach. Its bid for an FM frequency indicates a strategic effort to use radio broadcasting as a primary medium for spreading its message and engaging with its followers.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día de Costa Rica
About Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día de Costa Rica:
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Costa Rica is a Christian denomination with a global presence. The church often utilizes media, including radio and television, as part of its mission to share its teachings on health, education, and faith with the broader community.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Asociación Misión Carismática Internacional de Cartago
About Asociación Misión Carismática Internacional de Cartago:
This association is the Cartago chapter of the International Charismatic Mission, an evangelical Christian movement. It focuses on church growth and community engagement, and its bid for a radio frequency aligns with its goal of expanding its ministry’s reach.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Asociación de Comunicaciones Faro del Caribe
About Asociación de Comunicaciones Faro del Caribe:
Faro del Caribe is a well-established Christian media organization in Costa Rica, known for its long-running radio station that broadcasts religious programming, music, and teachings. Its participation in the auction aims to secure its presence on the FM dial.
For further information, visit radiomaria.cr
About Asociación Radio María:
Radio María is a global Catholic radio network with a local association in Costa Rica. Its mission is to be a voice of prayer, catechism, and human promotion within households, operating without commercial advertising and relying on listener support.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a leading legal institution through a profound dedication to ethical practice and the highest standards of legal excellence. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions while drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to empowering the community by demystifying the law, thereby contributing to the development of a more just and knowledgeable citizenry.
