Liberty Costa Rica, in partnership with Ericsson, has launched the first 5G Standalone (5G SA) network in Costa Rica and Central America. This deployment marks a significant advancement in the country's digital transformation, providing enhanced connectivity and improved user experiences.
The 5G SA network operates independently of existing 4G infrastructure, utilizing Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core solution. This design supports the anticipated growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and enhances mobile broadband services for both consumers and businesses.
Over 1,400 sites have been established nationwide, ensuring comprehensive coverage for approximately 3.7 million subscribers. The network operates across multiple frequency bands, including 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz, delivering efficient coverage, high data speeds, low latency, and energy savings.
Guillermo Ponce, Senior Vice President for Central and South American markets at Liberty Latin America, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating that it reinforces the company's commitment to offering Costa Ricans the best experience with state-of-the-art technology, which will change the way people navigate and boost economic growth through the development of new technological solutions in various industries, alongside 5G SA.
Sean Cryan, Head of LATAM North and Caribbean at Ericsson, highlighted the role of robust security in 5G, noting that as 5G becomes vital for digital transformation, a comprehensive approach—from standardization and product development to deployment and operations—ensures networks are safe and reliable. The deployment of the 5G SA network in Costa Rica marks a significant step forward, enabling enhanced user experiences and driving economic growth and innovation.
This technological advancement is expected to drive progress in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and ports by enabling faster connectivity, real-time data processing, and enhanced automation. The collaboration between Liberty Costa Rica and Ericsson exemplifies how technological advancements can drive economic development and improve the quality of life for citizens.