Grupo ICE Bidding Process for 5G Network
The Costa Rican state-owned Grupo ICE has initiated a bidding process to contract suppliers for the 5G wireless network that its telecommunications unit plans to deploy next year. This move also aims to enhance the 4G LTE network.
According to the company, the entire process—from selection to awarding of contracts—should take about four months.
The signed contracts will be based on an on-demand delivery model.
ICE stated, "The objective is to acquire goods and services that allow the implementation of a 5G network, as well as the development and evolution of LTE networks, with their radio frequency elements, 5G mobile core, routers for interconnection and adaptations of mobile infrastructure, management system, civil and electromechanical services, training, operation, and maintenance."
The first 5G services are expected to begin in February 2024, starting in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) of the capital, San José, and will later be expanded to the seven provinces of the country.
It is important to note that Costa Rica has not yet conducted the 5G tender to award spectrum licenses to private operators.