Ericsson, Liberty Launch Costa Rica’s 1st 5G SA Network

Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Kara Stock Skipper here, and we’re charting a course for Costa Rica, a tiny country with a giant leap into the future of tech! Seems like the sun’s not the only thing shining in this tropical paradise. We’re diving deep into how Costa Rica is riding the 5G wave, and let me tell you, this isn’t just about faster downloads. This is a whole new economic adventure waiting to be explored!

Setting Sail: The 5G Revolution in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, known for its lush rainforests and stunning beaches, is quickly becoming a tech titan in Central America. You see, they’re not just talking about 5G; they’re *doing* it. Leading the charge are companies like Liberty, Ericsson, Nokia, and RACSA. They’re not messing around with the old stuff. They’re going straight for 5G Standalone (SA) networks, which is basically like upgrading your rickety old fishing boat to a sleek, high-speed yacht! This means faster speeds, super-low latency, and a whole bunch of new possibilities across all kinds of industries. This isn’t just about streaming your favorite shows in crystal-clear HD; it’s about laying the groundwork for innovation across every sector. It’s about turning a small country into a digital powerhouse.

Charting the Course: Investments and Deployments

Now, how did Costa Rica pull off this feat? Well, it started with serious dough. The big players, like Liberty and Claro, splashed out a cool $16.2 million each back in January 2025. And what did they buy? Spectrum rights! Think of it as buying up prime real estate on the digital airwaves. They snagged rights across the 700-MHz, 2300-MHz, 3500-MHz, and 26/28-GHz bands. This was their ticket to compete in the 5G race.

• Liberty and Ericsson: A Winning Partnership: Liberty, in partnership with Ericsson, has been at the forefront, recently firing up the first 5G SA network in Costa Rica, and indeed, the whole Central American region! They’re leveraging Ericsson’s cutting-edge tech, and the result? About 3.7 million Liberty subscribers get to enjoy the benefits. This is like having a personal concierge on every single device, making everything smoother and faster. This six-year contract solidifies a lasting partnership and shows real commitment to 5G development. Imagine the possibilities for industries that depend on real-time data processing, like the medical field or high-tech manufacturing.

• RACSA and Nokia: A Different Tack: But hold your horses, Liberty isn’t the only one sailing the 5G seas! RACSA, part of Grupo ICE, launched the country’s first 5G network in October 2024, using Nokia’s technology. RACSA is initially focused on Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services. This is a game-changer, especially for businesses and small to medium enterprises, providing them with lightning-fast connectivity. They’ve already set up 30 sites in major cities, with plans to expand. Nokia also partnered with Grupo ICE for a separate mobile network, diversifying the 5G scene.

• Standalone vs. Non-Standalone: What’s the Difference? Let’s get technical for a moment. The 5G SA is the full enchilada, utilizing the complete capabilities of the 5G core network. It offers features that are just not possible with the earlier Non-Standalone (NSA) setups. This means better performance, more flexibility, and the potential for things like network slicing. Think of it like this: NSA is like a fast sailboat, SA is a rocket ship! It’s where the industry, with companies like Ericsson leading the way. They’re already testing it with Spark in New Zealand and are releasing the SA 5G software.

Reaching the Horizon: The Impact of 5G SA

So, what does all of this mean for the average Joe and Jane in Costa Rica? A lot! These new 5G SA networks are not just about boosting speeds. They open doors to a world of possibilities:

• Ultra-Low Latency: Think super-fast response times. This is crucial for things like self-driving cars, where split-second decisions are vital. It’s also a big deal for remote surgery, where doctors can operate on patients from miles away. And industrial automation? Forget about delays; everything runs like clockwork.
• Network Slicing: This is where things get really exciting. Network slicing lets you create custom-built networks for different industries. Imagine a dedicated network for healthcare, another for education, and another for smart cities. It’s like having multiple high-speed lanes on a highway, all running at top speed.
• Testing and Optimization: Liberty’s initial trials in places like San Jose, the Latin University of Costa Rica, and the Ultrapark Dos free zone demonstrate a methodical approach. They’re not just rushing into things; they’re making sure everything works smoothly before a full commercial rollout.

Let’s not forget the economic impact. Liberty and Ericsson are aiming to spur growth and innovation through this advanced technology. While some regulatory hurdles were faced along the way (like the temporary suspension of a decision to exclude Huawei), the momentum is with the major players, Ericsson and Nokia. There are oversight measures that ensure fair 5G deployment.

Land Ahoy!: A 5G-Powered Future

And there you have it, mateys! Costa Rica is riding the 5G wave, and they’re doing it right. With major investments, cutting-edge technology, and a strong focus on both mobile and fixed wireless solutions, this little country is poised to become a major player in the digital world. They’re not just connecting their citizens; they’re unlocking new economic opportunities and transforming the way people live and work. This is the future, y’all, and Costa Rica is leading the charge. So, raise a glass to this tropical paradise – it’s a whole new world out there, and it’s only getting started! Land ho, indeed!