The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) and its commercial subsidiary Kölbi have announced a public tender valued at 130,473 million colones (US$246 million) to advance the implementation of the 5G network in Costa Rica.

The contract will have an initial term of three years with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six years, according to the specifications detailed in the Integrated Public Procurement System.

The process is aimed at specialized companies and seeks technical proposals oriented to the deployment of fifth-generation mobile technology, in addition to the integration and expansion of the 4G network to facilitate the transition in the coming years.

The tender incorporates the possibility of using Open RAN architecture, as reported by CR Hoy.

The announcement comes after ICE declared another similar tender unsuccessful in May after a year and a half of paralysis due to judicial appeals linked to a decree that excluded companies from countries that had not signed the Budapest Convention on cybersecurity, according to the Costa Rican newspaper Semanario Universidad.

According to ICE, the tender announced this week is the result of rigorous technical, operational, and financial analysis. Its planning has considered the maturity of the ecosystem in Costa Rica, the interoperability of technologies, the use of previous investments and the continuity of the service with quality, efficiency, and sustainability standards.

"Each step is based on specialized and rigorous studies, market evaluations, and medium and long-term impact analysis," commented Leda Acevedo, ICE's telecommunications manager. "Our goal is to deliver value to Costa Rica in a planned and sustainable manner. We guarantee reliable, secure, and inclusive connectivity for all customers, with vision and responsibility."

Costa Rican telcos Racsa, Claro, and Liberty have previously launched 5G services in the country. Like Kölbi, Racsa is also state-owned via local utility ICE.

This piece was automatically translated from DCD's Spanish site and edited by a member of DCD staff.