Costa Rica is on the brink of a digital revolution with the introduction of 5G, a technology that promises faster, more reliable, and widespread connectivity. Despite its limited presence, change is on the horizon as key players in the industry express interest in bringing 5G to a broader audience in the country.
The Current State of 5G in Costa Rica
As it stands, the 5G landscape in Costa Rica is somewhat limited. Only Claro provides 5G service, available in select areas and exclusively for devices designed to support this technology. However, this scenario is set to change with more companies showing interest in offering 5G services.
Sutel’s Initiative to Boost 5G Accessibility
In a bid to expand 5G access in the country, Sutel introduced a draft on July 5 concerning the competition procedure for the 5G-IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) radioelectric spectrum. Their aim? To identify and collaborate with parties keen on bringing 5G to Costa Rica.
Global Giants Enter the Costa Rican Market
During the consultation period, five global companies expressed their interest in bidding. These include Liberty Latin America and Qualcomm from the USA, América Móvil from Mexico (the powerhouse behind the Claro brand), Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson from Sweden, and Telesat from Canada. Notably, both Liberty and América Móvil have existing operations in Costa Rica. Along with these, 13 other entities, spanning groups, companies, and organizations both local and international, have shown keen interest.
What 5G Brings to the Table
5G represents the latest iteration in mobile network technology, boasting significant advancements in terms of speed, capacity, latency, and connectivity. This transformative technology finds its utility particularly in regions lacking fiber optic infrastructure, as it offers a quick and cost-effective connection alternative.
Noteworthy Global Developments in 5G:
- Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, a Swedish multinational, recently unveiled a new 5G manufacturing unit in Malaysia.
- Qualcomm is set to revolutionize the device market with its Snapdragon X35 5G cellular modem, bringing 5G features to a broader range of devices, including more affordable ones.
