Costa Rica’s Bold Move: 5G Network to Sideline China and Russia

Costa Rica, in a decisive step towards its technological advancement, is gearing up for its 5G spectrum auction. However, this move comes with a significant twist – the exclusion of firms from nations, notably China and Russia, that haven’t signed the international cybercrime convention. This decision, fueled by cybersecurity concerns, marks a critical point in Costa Rica’s approach to its digital infrastructure development.

A Protective Stance Against Cybersecurity Threats

Following a disruptive cyberattack on government computer systems last year, Costa Rica is taking no chances. The government has passed a decree to exclude companies from countries that pose potential cyber risks. This resolution reflects a growing awareness of the vulnerabilities and backdoors that can compromise a nation’s critical infrastructure.

José Adalid Medrano, a Costa Rican lawyer specializing in computer law, emphasized the importance of such a decision in an era plagued by traditional and cyber wars, where national security is paramount.

A National Priority: Ensuring Cybersecurity in Telecommunications

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves has voiced a firm stance on the issue, stressing the importance of cybersecurity in the implementation of 5G technology. The Regulation on Cybersecurity Measures Applicable to Telecommunications Services for 5G and beyond, published in the Official Gazette, highlights the risks associated with the 5G supply chain, including the dangers of low-quality products and over-reliance on a single supplier.

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Measures

Paula Bogantes, Costa Rica’s Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications, outlined the government’s focus on preventive measures against cybercrime in the development of 5G networks. The aim is to safeguard access to services, protect personal information, and ensure the security of the nation’s industrial and public sectors.

Countering External Threats

The move is particularly pertinent in light of potential threats from hostile nations or terrorist groups that could target critical infrastructure, disrupt the economy, or harm citizens. Technology news site Silicon Week highlighted the importance of national defense against such cyber threats.

China’s National Security Law and International Relations

Deputy Minister of Telecommunications Hubert Vargas pointed to China’s National Security Law, which mandates organizations and citizens to cooperate with national intelligence work, as a concern. This law raises questions about the extent to which Chinese companies can resist governmental pressure, especially regarding user data privacy.

Recent Cyber Attacks and International Protocols

President Chaves recalled recent cyber attacks, including those attributed to the Russian group Conti, which crippled national systems and disrupted essential services. He noted that such attacks underscore the need for adherence to international cybercrime prosecution standards, such as the Budapest Agreement, which Russia does not follow.

Reactions and Legal Challenges

The Chinese Embassy in Costa Rica has labeled the assumptions of increased cybersecurity risk from Chinese firms as “absurd and unfounded.” In response, Huawei, a leading Chinese telecommunications company, has filed an appeal for legal protection with the Constitutional Court of Costa Rica, contesting its potential exclusion from 5G contracts.

National Discussion and Tender Expectations

Juan Manuel Campos, general director of Ciber Regulación Consultores, a Costa Rican telecommunications consulting firm, noted that the country has engaged in a thorough discussion on this issue. The expectation is that the 5G tender will be awarded by early to mid-2024.

Costa Rica’s decision to move forward with its 5G development, while excluding firms from certain countries over cybersecurity concerns, is a significant step. It reflects a balancing act between technological advancement and national security, setting a precedent in the global conversation on digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.