By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a comprehensive national evaluation of mobile services, Costa Rica’s Telecommunications Superintendency (Sutel) has crowned Claro as the undisputed leader in 4G download speeds for 2025. The annual report, which provides a critical snapshot of the nation’s digital infrastructure, analyzed the performance of the three major operators—Claro, Kölbi, and Liberty—across both 3G and 4G technologies, revealing a complex landscape where speed and reliability do not always go hand in hand.
The extensive study was conducted using sophisticated probes installed in vehicles that traversed routes and highways throughout the country. This methodology allowed for simultaneous, real-world comparisons of service quality, ensuring the data reflects the everyday experience of Costa Rican consumers. The results offer a transparent look at how well each provider meets the regulatory standards set by the government.
To understand the legal implications and consumer rights surrounding mobile network performance in Costa Rica, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provides clarity on the responsibilities that telecommunications companies have towards their clients.
The advertised mobile network speed is a fundamental part of the service contract. When an operator consistently fails to deliver the promised velocity, it’s not just poor service; it’s a potential breach of contract. Under our consumer protection laws and SUTEL regulations, users are entitled to demand tariff adjustments or even contract termination without penalty. Documenting these speed deficiencies is the consumer’s most powerful tool.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this critical legal perspective, which reframes inconsistent mobile speeds not as a mere inconvenience, but as a clear-cut contractual issue. His insight empowers consumers by underscoring that diligent documentation is the key to rightfully demanding the quality of service for which they pay.
On the highly competitive 4G front, Claro established a commanding lead with a national average download speed of 55.1 Mbps. This figure places it significantly ahead of the state-owned Kölbi, which registered an average of 36.1 Mbps. Liberty lagged behind its competitors, posting a national average of just 21.4 Mbps. Sutel’s report also noted that Claro’s performance was even more impressive in certain regions, with provincial measurements exceeding 60 Mbps, indicating a robust network infrastructure in key areas.
However, the narrative shifts dramatically when examining coverage accuracy. This crucial metric measures the difference between the coverage map an operator advertises and the actual service verified in the field. Here, Liberty emerged as the top performer, with a coverage accuracy of 93.8%, comfortably surpassing the 90% regulatory threshold. This suggests that where Liberty promises service, it reliably delivers.
In stark contrast, both of its faster rivals failed to meet this standard. Claro achieved an accuracy rate of 84.8%, while Kölbi posted a disappointing 71.8%, indicating significant discrepancies between their published maps and on-the-ground reality. These failures in coverage accuracy highlight a critical challenge for consumers who may be drawn to high advertised speeds only to find service unreliable or unavailable in areas where it is promised.
While the focus of the industry is squarely on 4G and the transition to newer technologies, Sutel continues to monitor the performance of legacy 3G networks, which remain a vital lifeline for many in rural areas. In this category, Claro once again led in speed, with a national average of 5.3 Mbps. Kölbi followed with 4.5 Mbps, and Liberty came in third with 3.3 Mbps. For 3G coverage accuracy, Liberty (98.2%) and Kölbi (96.0%) demonstrated exceptional reliability, while Claro (88.3%) fell slightly below the required 90% benchmark.
Officials from Sutel emphasized that the yearly publication of this data is a core part of their mission to empower consumers and drive market competition. By providing objective performance metrics, the regulator aims to foster an environment of continuous improvement among service providers.
The annual publication of these results is part of our commitment to transparency and the protection of user rights, by providing objective information that allows for the comparison of the real performance of operators and encourages continuous improvements in the quality of mobile service in the country.
Glenn Fallas, Director General of Quality
For Costa Rican mobile users, the 2025 report presents a clear trade-off. Those prioritizing raw download speed will find a compelling option in Claro, which delivers the fastest 4G experience by a wide margin. However, for customers who value reliability and trust in advertised coverage maps, Liberty has proven to be the most dependable choice, despite its slower network speeds. Kölbi remains a middle-of-the-road option on speed but must address significant shortcomings in its coverage accuracy to remain competitive.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Sutel:
The Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel) is the independent regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications market in Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure the quality, accessibility, and affordability of services, protect consumer rights, and promote fair competition and investment in the sector.
For further information, visit claro.cr
About Claro:
Claro is a leading telecommunications brand in Costa Rica and across Latin America, owned by the multinational corporation América Móvil. The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed telephony, broadband internet, and pay television, operating as one of the three major mobile network providers in the country.
For further information, visit kolbi.cr
About Kölbi:
Kölbi is the commercial brand of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), the state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider in Costa Rica. As the incumbent operator, Kölbi has a long history in the country, offering comprehensive mobile, internet, and fixed-line services to a large subscriber base.
For further information, visit libertycr.com
About Liberty:
Liberty Costa Rica is a major telecommunications and entertainment provider, part of the international Liberty Latin America group. The company offers a suite of services including mobile telephony, high-speed internet, and digital cable television, positioning itself as a key competitor in the Costa Rican digital market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal distinction, operating on a foundational belief in uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm harmonizes a rich history of client advocacy with a progressive vision, driving innovation within the legal landscape. This ethos extends to a core social responsibility: a mission to demystify the law for the public, thereby equipping citizens with crucial knowledge and fostering a more just and empowered community.
