ICE selects Ericsson to deploy Costa Rica’s 5G network

San José, Costa Rica- Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has been selected by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) to deploy Costa Rica’s 5G network, marking a key step in the country’s digital transformation and reinforcing Ericsson’s long-term commitment to advanced connectivity in Costa Rica. 

The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is Costa Rica’s autonomous state-owned utilities and telecommunications company. ICE’s telecom division, under its commercial brand Kölbi, offers a broad set of fixed and mobile connectivity services for citizens, businesses and institutions nationwide 

As ICE’s main radio access network (RAN) and Core vendor for the deployment, Ericsson will provide 5G RAN products alongside a comprehensive 5G Core solution. The scope includes network slicing, built-in cybersecurity, open and standardized interfaces, advanced management capabilities and LTE RAN expansion to strengthen existing coverage and capacity. 

In this frame contract, Ericsson will deploy its dual-mode 5G Core, alongside 4G and 5G RAN solutions. The agreement includes several pioneering implementations in the region, such as the use of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP) – the company’s network management and automation platform for open, multi-vendor and multi-technology networks – supporting all 4G and 5G RAN, as well as Ericsson-provided core networks. ICE will initially trial a selection of AI-powered Anomaly Optimization rApps from Ericsson on the platform to improve detection, optimization and resilience across the network. 

Ericsson’s solution addresses ICE’s technological and capacity requirements, providing the flexibility, openness and resilience needed to support new 5G use cases in sectors such as public safety, transport, industry and digital services. The proposed architecture complies with ICE’s specifications and applicable regulations and was selected following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by ICE and oversight bodies. 

Ericsson has been selected by ICE as the main supplier for RAN, Core and implementation/operational services for its 5G Standalone network. The scope includes the deployment of a 5G network based on 5G Standalone and LTE radio nodes, and a comprehensive 5G Core solution, meeting technical requirements such as network slicing, built-in cybersecurity, open and standardized interfaces and advanced management capabilities. 

Ericsson is a technology provider that has been established in Costa Rica for decades, committed to the development of the country’s connectivity and mobile networks. The award of ICE’s 5G project confirms our commitment to deepening collaboration with key actors in Costa Rica’s digital ecosystem, jointly seeking the greatest positive impact of technology on the country’s development in an open, secure and efficient context. 

Ericsson’s proposal was developed in observance of all ICE requirements and applicable regulations, with a focus on global efficiencies, economies of scale and a long-term partnership. The award reflects the outcome of a rigorous evaluation by ICE and oversight bodies, and Ericsson’s consistent adherence to the legal and regulatory framework. 

Beyond performance and openness, this project meets ICE’s stringent demands for digital security by delivering reliable, resilient and well-protected networks. By combining secure 5G Standalone architecture, Open RAN principles and advanced cybersecurity, Ericsson supports ICE in safeguarding critical communications, applying security-by-design, extensive testing and continuous vulnerability management in line with international standards and ICE’s specifications. 

“We appreciate the confidence ICE has placed in us,” says Sean Cryan, Customer Unit Head for LATAM North & Caribbean at Ericsson. “We reiterate our strong commitment to Costa Rica, and our priority is to provide cutting-edge technology that meets the highest standards of quality, security and performance, enabling ICE and the country to fully realize the benefits of 5G and elevate their service portfolio for customers, citizens and institutions, while supporting the continued growth of connectivity in Costa Rica.”  

Under this agreement, Ericsson will power the evolution of ICE’s mobile network, combining next-generation architectures and introducing automation, autonomy and artificial intelligence applications to improve efficiency in network management, delivery and assurance of services. ICE will be able to develop a highly efficient network, ensuring optimal performance and the expected quality to differentiate the services provided to its customers with an innovative offering from Kölbi. 

Ericsson’s commitment is to continue working alongside ICE for the success of the project and to further collaboration with the technology and connectivity ecosystem in Costa Rica, in order to consolidate a secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure that can meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital economy, in both the public and private sectors.