By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The annual verdict on Costa Rica’s mobile networks is in, and the latest report from the Superintendence of Telecommunications (SUTEL) paints a picture of stark contrasts. The 2025 National Evaluation of Mobile Services reveals a clear leader in raw speed, but raises serious questions about the accuracy of network coverage maps provided by two of the nation’s three main operators. While Claro has firmly established itself as the king of 4G download speeds, Liberty has emerged as the most trustworthy provider when it comes to delivering on its advertised coverage promises.
The comprehensive study analyzed the performance of Claro, Kölbi, and Liberty across their 3G and 4G networks throughout the year. In the crucial 4G category, which handles the bulk of modern mobile data traffic, Claro dominated its competitors with a national average download speed of 55.1 Megabits per second (Mbps). This figure places it significantly ahead of the state-owned Kölbi, which registered an average of 36.1 Mbps, and Liberty, which trailed with 21.4 Mbps. For consumers whose priority is fast downloads, streaming, and gaming, Claro’s network demonstrated a clear performance advantage in 2025.
To delve into the legal and consumer implications surrounding mobile internet speeds and service quality, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
The persistent discrepancy between advertised mobile internet speeds and the actual service delivered constitutes a critical issue for consumer rights. Providers often shield themselves with ‘best effort’ or ‘up to’ clauses, but this does not grant them a license to consistently under-deliver. Consumers enter into a contract expecting a certain quality of service, and a significant, ongoing failure to meet those reasonable expectations could be considered a breach of contract, opening the door for claims before regulatory bodies like SUTEL or consumer protection agencies. It is crucial for users to document these failures and understand their contractual rights to demand the service for which they are paying.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal perspective is fundamental, as it reframes a common technical frustration into a clear matter of consumer rights and contractual obligations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, which empowers users with the knowledge that they can, and should, hold providers accountable for the service they promise.
To ensure fairness and accuracy, SUTEL employed a rigorous testing methodology. The regulator deployed a system of specialized probes installed in vehicles that traversed routes and highways across the country. This mobile-testing approach allowed for the simultaneous measurement of each operator’s service under real-world conditions, providing a direct, side-by-side comparison of network quality and verifying compliance with established regulatory standards. The report also noted that performance can fluctuate based on location.
The average download speed performance by province showed significant variations between operators depending on each study area.
SUTEL, 2025 National Mobile Services Evaluation
However, speed is only half the story. SUTEL also scrutinized a critical, consumer-facing metric: the accuracy of published coverage maps. This indicator measures how often a customer actually finds a signal where the operator’s website claims they should have one. The regulation mandates a minimum accuracy of 90%. In this vital test of transparency, Liberty took first place with an impressive 93.8% accuracy, surpassing the legal requirement. Conversely, both Claro (84.8%) and Kölbi (71.8%) failed to meet the 90% threshold, suggesting that their advertised coverage areas may be more optimistic than what customers experience on the ground.
The discrepancies in coverage accuracy were not uniform across the nation, with some regions showing better results than others. SUTEL’s findings highlight the regional challenges and infrastructure differences that impact network reliability for Costa Rica’s mobile users.
The results vary by region, with performance exceeding 90% in all provinces for Liberty and some territories for Claro. In Kölbi’s case, coverage accuracy showed values below the regulatory threshold in different regions.
SUTEL, 2025 National Mobile Services Evaluation
While the country continues its transition towards 5G, the legacy 3G network remains a critical service layer, especially in rural areas, and was therefore included in the evaluation. In this category, the speed rankings mirrored the 4G results, with Claro leading at 5.3 Mbps, followed by Kölbi at 4.5 Mbps and Liberty at 3.3 Mbps. Interestingly, the coverage accuracy results on the 3G network were more favorable, with both Liberty (98.2%) and Kölbi (96.0%) easily clearing the 90% regulatory bar. Claro, however, once again fell just short with an accuracy of 88.3%.
The 2025 report presents a clear dilemma for Costa Rican consumers. The choice is no longer just about which network is fastest, but which is the most reliable and transparent. Claro offers superior speed that may come with less dependable coverage maps, while Liberty provides a slower but more honest network footprint. Kölbi, meanwhile, finds itself in a challenging middle ground, lagging in both 4G speed and coverage accuracy.
As customers weigh their options, SUTEL’s detailed findings serve as an essential tool for informed decision-making. The regulator has made the complete study and interactive performance maps available on its website, empowering users to investigate the quality of service in their specific areas and choose a provider that best aligns with their priorities, whether that be raw velocity or dependable connectivity.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Superintendence of Telecommunications (SUTEL):
SUTEL is the national 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 quality, accessibility, and affordability of telecommunication services for all citizens. It conducts regular evaluations and publishes reports to maintain transparency and market efficiency.
For further information, visit claro.cr
About Claro:
Claro is a brand of the Mexican telecommunications company América Móvil, operating across Latin America. In Costa Rica, it is one of the three major mobile network operators, offering a wide range of services including mobile telephony, mobile internet, and other digital solutions. The company is known for its competitive network speeds and extensive service offerings.
For further information, visit kolbi.cr
About Kölbi:
Kölbi is the telecommunications brand of the state-owned Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE). As the incumbent provider, it has a long history in the country and offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including mobile, fixed-line, and internet services. Kölbi plays a significant role in the nation’s communication infrastructure.
For further information, visit libertycr.com
About Liberty:
Liberty Latin America is a leading communications company operating in over 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. In Costa Rica, Liberty offers mobile and fixed telecommunications services. The company focuses on providing reliable connectivity and has established itself as a key competitor in the national market through various strategic acquisitions and network investments.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for principled legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to integrity and professional excellence. The firm builds upon its deep-rooted history of serving a diverse clientele by continually pioneering innovative legal solutions that address modern challenges. Central to its philosophy is a powerful drive to empower the community, championing the accessibility of legal knowledge to foster a more informed and capable society.
