Nokia and Radiografía Costarricense SA. (RACSA) have launched the first 5 G SA (stand-alone) network in Costa Rica , using Nokia's AirScale technology. This network will allow high-speed, low-latency connectivity in urban centers and rural areas, driving the country's digital transformation and improving sectors such as public security, education and health care. This deployment, which will reach 500 sites, positions Costa Rica at the forefront of technological innovation in Latin America, providing new opportunities for companies, citizens and the country's economic development.

Free Wi-Fi Coming to 360 Costa Rican Districts  

Recently, Sutel, the Telecommunications Superintendence in Costa Rica, announced that free Wi-Fi is coming to 360 of the 421 districts in this country. Through Fonatel, the National Telecommunications Fund, the project will begin sometime in 2017. 

During a press conference to address the plan, officials stated that they are targeting 985 wireless access points within the 360 districts with this initiative. Included are 62 public libraries, 7 civic centers for peace, 28 train stations, and numerous parks and squares. 

Gilberth Camacho, the president of the Sutel Council, stated that through the Espacios Publicos Conectados, wireless service will become available for the entire country. One-hundred megabytes of Wi-Fi internet will be dedicated to covering the targeted areas with this current plan. 

As stated by Camacho, this plan will allow over 4 million people to connect to the internet. Whether for work, education, or personal use, the new Wi-Fi coverage will boost Costa Rica’s social and economic growth.Humberto Pineda, the director of Fonatel, anticipates that initially, the internet speed will increase 50 megabytes annually. That means that in five years, the number of megabytes will jump to 300. To bring this plan to fruition, the total cost of the project is US$45 million. Humberto Pineda, the director of Fonatel, anticipates that initially, the internet speed will increase 50 megabytes annually. That means that in five years, the number of megabytes will jump to 300. To bring this plan to fruition, the total cost of the project is US$45 million.  

Humberto Pineda, the director of Fonatel, anticipates that initially, the internet speed will increase 50 megabytes annually. That means that in five years, the number of megabytes will jump to 300. To bring this plan to fruition, the total cost of the project is US$45 million. 

To use the internet from these points, Pineda stated that Fonatel would simultaneously manage access for 200 users. On a daily basis, this free service will be defined for each of those 200 people, and, if necessary, they will block certain websites or content to protect children and young users. 

Complements WeLoveCostaRica

Since the late 1990’s Costa Rica has made significant investment and improvements to the Country’s network infrastructure.  This includes a modern telecommunications network which allows direct dialing worldwide, with towers that support cellular telephone calling, data and fax transmission using both satellite and microwave links.  International callers also have access to the Central American Microwave System and Satellite Earth Station.

Progress is being made on Internet access, including upgrades and expansions to cable systems.  Broadband Internet service is available in many areas through cable modem, DSL and access to ISDN lines has become more common.

Internet cafes are springing up everywhere and some coffee shops and even restaurants are now providing wireless capability.

Costa Rica has taken steps into the next generation of cellular phone technology.

The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), the country’s state-run telecommunications monopoly, acquired 1.3 million 3G cellular lines that were installed in 2008.

The new 3G Internet and cellular service from ICE is a big improvement because Internet service in some areas of the country can still be a problem.

Now, the 3G service works in some very remote locations all over the country. Users are able to successfully connect to the Internet in areas that have no cellular reception on the GSM network, and can not only use the phone and Internet in these areas, but the Internet speeds are fast enough to stream video from YouTube, Megavideo, and even use Skype video calls to the US. .