Internet Service

Costa Rica is no stranger to technology, and many populated areas have access to either cable or DSL high-speed Internet service. Throughout the Central Valley, Internet cafes are common, and WiFi (wireless Internet) hotspots are available for public use. Many tourist-friendly towns and beaches have high-speed Internet as well. In rural areas and most towns outside of the Central Valley, dial-up modems and ISDN service are the connection method of choice.

Note: Until recently, ICE (pronounced ee-say), the government electric and telecommunications monopoly, controlled all Internet services. However, the 2008 ratification of the Central American Free Trade Agreement required a lift on ICE’s monopoly, and international service providers will soon enter the Costa Rican market.
 

ICE/RACSA

As of late 2008, Costa Rica still operates under ICE’s telecommunications monopoly. ICE offers two main Internet services: ISDN and ADSL. RACSA, its subsidiary, offers several additional alternatives, including dial-up Internet, prepaid Internet (via dial-up), 900-number access, high-speed cable Internet and their new WiMAX service.

ICE ISDN: ISDN service, known in Costa Rica as RSDI, functions at double the speed of dial-up (128 Kbps), and is available in most areas without access to DSL or cable Internet. Though a phone line is used to connect to the Internet, ISDN users can make and receive phone calls when they are online, though doing so reduces Internet speed to 64 Kbps. This service plan allows for unlimited monthly minutes on the Internet. In addition to the fees listed below, IDSN users are required to pay $15 (RACSA) or $16 (ICE) additional per month.

ICE ADSL: ADSL service offers high-speed data transmission via copper telephone line. Since this technology utilizes frequencies not needed for telephone calls, users can be online and on the phone at the same time.

To subscribe to ADSL Internet service, the subscriber must be within 2-3 miles of the mother connection. For this reason, ADSL service is only available in more populated areas of the country.

As of 2008, ADSL installation costs ¢20,712.00 + tax, or approximately $38.00 + tax. Monthly fees are as follows:

RACSA Dial-Up: RACSA’s dial-up Internet is an affordable solution for many in Costa Rica. Please note that in addition to dial-up monthly fees, you must pay for per-minute use of your home phone line.

RACSA Prepaid Dial-Up Internet: This option is ideal for anyone who wants to get online quickly and affordably. Pre-paid cards may be purchased for ¢1,800 (5 hours; expires after two months), ¢3,550 (10 hours; expires after three months) or ¢5,300 (15 hours; expires after four months). Please note that, like traditional dial-up, a double-fee structure is in effect: users must pay for their phone minutes and Internet minutes.

RACSA 900-Number Internet Access (900-EN LINEA): This is another option for users looking for fast and affordable access to the Internet. Minutes are billed at ¢7.00 per (approximately 1.3 cents per minute), and the service will be blocked if used for more than 36 hours/month. Please note that, like traditional dial-up, a double-fee structure is in effect: users must pay for their phone minutes and Internet minutes.

RACSA High-Speed Cable Internet: In addition to ADSL, this is the fastest practical Internet connection for personal users. Access is granted through Amnet, CableTica, Coopelesca and Super Cable. (See below.)

RACSA WiMAX: Short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX is a line-of-sight, high-speed wireless Internet option. Billed under the name Evoluciona (It Evolves), this new service is currently available in select areas of San Jose, Heredia, Cartago and soon, Alajuela.

To utilize this service, customers must install a small antenna, and purchase or rent a converter box. Installation cost is $100.

Cable Internet from Amnet and CableTica:
Costa Rica’s two major cable companies, Amnet and CableTica, offer high-speed cable Internet service via RACSA. Their rates are currently regulated by the government, though with the ratification of CAFTA, this may change. The following chart notes the base rate for cable, though rates vary according to company. Please note that cable television service is necessary for cable Internet installation.

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