Apple iPhone Approved for Costa Rica

By Adam Williams
Tico Times Staff | [email protected]
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily_paid/dailynewsarchive/2010_07/072110.htm#story1

With the opening of the cellular telephone market to private participation approaching, the Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL) has approved five new cellular phone models to provide service in the Costa Rican network. The five phones approved are the Apple iPhone, the Sony Ericsson U5a and X10 models, the Motorola A853 and the China Bird HK Ltda. B mobile model PL 72. Currently, only phones authorized by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) can be used to provide cell service.

In addition to the telephones, SUTEL also approved three new Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, a datacard and a credit card verification device that can also be used as to provide an internet connection. Each of the approved items will carry the logo of SUTEL certifying that they can be used in the country.

The cellular telephone market was opened to competition when the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA) passed into effect on Jan. 1, 2009. Prior to the opening of the market, ICE had been the only provider of cellular phone coverage in Costa Rica. New competitors are expected to enter the cell market by the beginning of 2011. According to SUTEL, the process of opening the market has been delayed on several occasions due to difficulties in freeing up frequencies shared by telecommunication, phone and internet operators.
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With 3G towers located in San Buenaventura the ability to use the new Apple iPhone 4 is only months away within The Village of San Buenas.