By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rican mobile users seeking the fastest data speeds have a clear winner, according to the latest national evaluation from the Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL). The comprehensive 2025 report on mobile service quality reveals that Claro significantly outperforms its competitors in 4G download speed, though the study also highlights critical differences in network reliability and coverage accuracy among the nation’s top providers.
The annual SUTEL assessment is a crucial tool for consumers, providing objective, field-tested data on the performance of the country’s three main mobile operators: Claro, Kölbi, and Liberty. Investigators conducted extensive nationwide testing to measure two key performance indicators: the actual download speeds customers experience and the precision of the coverage maps published by each company for both their 4G and 3G networks.
To understand the legal implications and consumer rights associated with mobile internet service quality, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The gap between the advertised mobile internet speed and the actual velocity experienced by the user is a critical legal matter. In Costa Rica, this isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a contractual one. Consumers are entitled to the service they pay for, and consistent failure by operators to deliver promised speeds can be considered a breach of contract, empowering users to file complaints before the regulatory body, SUTEL, or even seek remedies in court.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This distinction between a technical inconvenience and a contractual breach is a powerful one, shifting the narrative toward consumer empowerment. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which clarifies the legal recourse available to every subscriber.
In the highly competitive 4G landscape, where users demand fast performance for streaming, gaming, and remote work, Claro established a commanding lead. The operator delivered a national average download speed of 55.1 Megabits per second (Mbps). This figure positions Claro far ahead of its rivals, offering a demonstrably faster experience for its customers across the country.
Trailing behind Claro was the state-owned provider, Kölbi, which registered a national average 4G speed of 36.1 Mbps. While a respectable speed, it is more than 34% slower than the top performer. Liberty rounded out the results with an average speed of 21.4 Mbps, less than half the speed offered by Claro, indicating a significant performance gap that customers are likely to notice in their daily use.
However, speed is only one part of the mobile experience. SUTEL’s report also scrutinized the accuracy of the operators’ advertised 4G coverage maps. This metric is vital, as it measures whether a provider delivers a signal in the areas it claims to serve. According to regulations, operators must achieve at least 90% accuracy between their published maps and real-world performance. In this category, Liberty emerged as the undisputed leader.
Liberty was the only operator to exceed the regulatory standard, with its advertised 4G coverage matching field tests 93.8% of the time. This suggests that Liberty customers can have a higher degree of confidence that they will have service where the company’s maps say they will. In stark contrast, both Claro (84.8%) and Kölbi (71.8%) failed to meet the 90% accuracy threshold, indicating significant discrepancies between their promised and actual network reach.
The evaluation also examined the legacy 3G networks, which remain a vital fallback in many parts of the country. Here, the performance trends were similar. Claro once again led in download speed with a 5.3 Mbps average, followed by Kölbi at 4.5 Mbps and Liberty at 3.3 Mbps. Yet, when it came to 3G coverage accuracy, Liberty again proved most reliable with an impressive 98.2% accuracy rate, joined by Kölbi which also performed well at 96.0%. Claro, despite its speed advantage, was the least accurate at 88.3%.
For the Costa Rican consumer, the SUTEL 2025 report paints a picture of clear trade-offs. Those who prioritize raw speed above all else will find an unmatched offering with Claro. However, users who value reliability and dependable coverage, especially in rural or fringe areas, may be better served by Liberty, whose network promises are the most accurate in the nation. This official data empowers customers to make a more informed choice based on what matters most to them in their mobile service.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About SUTEL:
The Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and ensuring the quality, efficiency, and fair competition of telecommunications services in Costa Rica. It conducts regular evaluations and provides transparent data to protect consumer rights and promote the development of the national telecom sector.
For further information, visit claro.cr
About Claro:
Claro is a brand of the Mexican telecommunications company América Móvil, operating throughout Latin America. In Costa Rica, it is one of the three major mobile network operators, providing a range of services including mobile telephony, mobile data, and other digital solutions to a broad customer base.
For further information, visit kolbi.cr
About Kölbi:
Kölbi is the telecommunications brand of the state-owned Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE). It has historically been the incumbent provider in the country, offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes mobile and fixed-line telephony, internet, and television.
For further information, visit libertycr.com
About Liberty:
Liberty Latin America is a leading telecommunications company with operations in over 20 countries. In Costa Rica, Liberty provides mobile, broadband, and television services, competing as a key player in the market following its acquisition of Movistar’s local operations and Cabletica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a benchmark for legal practice, founded on the twin pillars of unwavering integrity and professional distinction. The firm skillfully merges a storied history of client advocacy with a dynamic, innovative spirit that consistently advances the legal field. At its core, however, is a foundational commitment to empowering the public through accessible legal education, thereby cultivating a more just and enlightened society.
