By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s telecommunications landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation as the Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL) has officially set a final deadline for its public auction of radio and television frequencies. Prospective bidders have until 11:59:59 p.m. on November 21, 2025, to submit their digital proposals for available spectra in the AM, FM, and television bands.
This critical step forward follows a key legal victory for the regulatory body. The Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) recently dismissed a total of 29 objections filed against the tender’s conditions on October 29. This ruling effectively removed the final administrative hurdle, validating SUTEL’s process and allowing the established timeline to proceed without further delay. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s airwaves through a competitive and transparent mechanism.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of the upcoming broadcast spectrum auction, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in administrative and regulatory law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of this spectrum auction hinges not just on maximizing state revenue, but on establishing clear, transparent, and legally sound bidding rules. Any ambiguity in the tender documents could lead to significant administrative challenges and legal disputes, potentially delaying the deployment of next-generation technologies and undermining investor confidence. The government’s primary challenge is to balance fiscal goals with the long-term strategic objective of fostering a competitive and innovative telecommunications market for the benefit of all consumers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s point is a crucial reminder that the true measure of this auction’s success will be the long-term health and competitiveness of our telecommunications market, not just the final revenue figure. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution to this pivotal national discussion.
The auction, detailed in official files 2025LY-000001-SUTEL, 2025LY-000002-SUTEL, and 2025LY-000003-SUTEL, represents a pivotal opportunity to allocate valuable national resources. SUTEL has emphasized that the entire process is designed to promote fair competition, ensure equitable access to the radioelectric spectrum, and ultimately strengthen the telecommunications sector for the benefit of all citizens.
Federico Chacón Loaiza, President of the SUTEL Directive Council, commented on the rigorous foundation of the auction process. He affirmed that the tender conditions were developed with a strong analytical backing, reflecting national policy goals and comprehensive market analysis. This ensures the process is not only fair but also strategically aligned with Costa Rica’s long-term development objectives.
SUTEL formulated the tender conditions in adherence to public policy objectives and based on technical reports on spectrum value, concentration control, and coverage regions. The CGR endorsed the auction and reiterated the institution’s authority to execute the competitive procedures.
Federico Chacón Loaiza, President of the SUTEL Directive Council
Following the November 21 deadline, SUTEL will initiate a multi-stage evaluation process that is both meticulous and transparent. The first phase involves a 20-business-day review to ensure all submitted bids meet the fundamental admissibility requirements. Subsequently, the economic offers received will be published, followed by a one-day window for any additional “push” bids. This structured approach is designed to maximize the value derived from the spectrum while maintaining a level playing field.
The subsequent phases involve a deeper dive into the proposals. A five-day period is allocated for the analysis of the economic offers, followed by a comprehensive 33-business-day evaluation of the technical projects and their projected coverage areas. The process will culminate in the SUTEL Directive Council’s approval of the auction results, which will then be formally submitted to the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) for final ratification within 15 business days.
This landmark auction is expected to invigorate the national broadcast market, potentially introducing new players and fostering innovation in content delivery across both radio and television. By basing the process on technical valuation of the spectrum and clear public policy goals, SUTEL aims to expand service reach throughout the country, ensuring that the benefits of a modernized broadcast sector are felt nationwide.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL):
SUTEL is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications sector in Costa Rica. Its mission is to promote competition, defend consumer rights, and ensure the efficient use of the radioelectric spectrum. The agency works to guarantee quality, accessibility, and affordability of telecommunication services for the entire population.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is Costa Rica’s supreme audit institution. It is responsible for overseeing the proper use of public funds and ensuring the legality and efficiency of public administration. The CGR plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability within governmental processes, including public tenders and auctions.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT):
MICITT is the Costa Rican government ministry tasked with formulating and executing national policies in science, technology, and telecommunications. It works to foster innovation, close the digital divide, and drive the country’s technological development. The ministry is the ultimate authority for the allocation and management of telecommunications resources.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies for its diverse clientele, while upholding a fundamental social responsibility. This is demonstrated through its proactive efforts to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby empowering the broader community with the knowledge necessary to navigate an increasingly intricate world.
