Costa Rica AFC Homologation Consultation
The Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL) in Costa Rica has opened two parallel public consultations to establish the administrative and technical framework for Standard Power (SP) operations in the 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz frequency range (6 GHz band) using Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems. The proposed measures are part of the country’s broader implementation of dynamic spectrum coordination mechanisms for Wi-Fi and wireless technologies operating in the 6 GHz spectrum.
The consultations correspond to the following case files:
- GCO-DGC-APA-00832-2026: “Procedure for the Accreditation of Expert Administrators of Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) Databases”
- GCO-DGC-HPE-00833-2026: “Request Procedure for Type Approval of Standard Power Devices Controlled by Automated Frequency Coordination Systems Operating in the Frequency Range of 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz (6 GHz Band)”
The proposed resolutions would introduce mandatory operational and homologation requirements applicable to AFC-controlled Standard Power devices.
Dynamic Spectrum Management Requirements
Under the draft framework, Standard Power devices operating in the 6 GHz band would be required to coordinate dynamically with AFC databases in order to determine available channels and maximum permitted transmission power. The AFC mechanism is intended to protect incumbent licensed point-to-point microwave backhaul services from harmful interference.
Additionally, the draft proposal establishes that only devices connected to an active AFC database managed by an accredited AFC administrator may operate under Standard Power conditions. Devices without AFC connectivity would be restricted to operating conditions applicable to non-SP devices.
Moreover, the proposal introduces a legal pathway for AFC database operators to obtain accreditation in Costa Rica. SUTEL also proposes a “partial exception” mechanism for operators already certified by foreign regulators such as the Federal Communications Commission and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Costa Rica AFC Homologation Procedure
The proposed Costa Rica AFC homologation process establishes a two-step market access structure for Standard Power devices operating in the 6 GHz band.
First, manufacturers or applicants must register with SUTEL’s General Quality Directorate (DGC) before initiating homologation requests. Documentation submitted to SUTEL must be provided in Spanish, and applicants must provide corporate registration details, identity documents, contact information, and sworn declarations confirming that AFC-controlled devices will operate under the technical conditions established by SUTEL.
Second, once the applicant is registered, homologation requests for individual device models must be submitted through SUTEL’s homologation web portal. The draft proposal requires detailed technical information including:
- Brand, model, hardware version, and firmware version
- Frequency range and maximum output power levels
- Antenna gain and elevation angle
- Geolocation reporting capabilities to AFC systems at least once per day
- Six technical images of the equipment
- Manufacturer technical specifications
- International certifications or laboratory reports validating AFC functionality
Furthermore, the proposal specifies that AFC-controlled devices must report accurate geographic location information to centralized AFC systems to support dynamic power assignment and interference mitigation.
The draft also defines two categories of AFC-controlled Standard Power devices:
Access Points with Standard Power (APSP)
These are access points operating under Standard Power conditions controlled by AFC systems.
Fixed Client Devices (DFC)
These are permanently installed client devices capable of operating under AFC-controlled Standard Power conditions while complying with antenna orientation and geolocation requirements.
Device Registration and Market Access Controls
An additional compliance requirement included in the proposal is the mandatory registration of serial numbers before commercialization or distribution.
After obtaining homologation approval, applicants must submit serial number databases to SUTEL. Only serial numbers linked to homologated devices and valid certificates will be authorized for Standard Power operation. Devices absent from the database may only operate under non-SP conditions established in the National Frequency Allocation Plan (PNAF).
Additionally, manufacturers or applicants must execute contractual agreements with AFC administrators accredited by SUTEL before devices can activate Standard Power functionality.
The draft proposal also indicates that SUTEL’s DGC will have a maximum period of ten business days to verify registration documentation and homologation applications once complete information has been submitted.
Public Consultation Timeline
SUTEL is accepting comments for ten business days following publication in the official gazette. The consultation period is expected to close on June 1, 2026.
Formal comments must include:
- Full name or registered corporate entity name
- Legal representative identification details
- Contact information for notifications
Comments may be submitted physically at SUTEL offices between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM or electronically through gestiondocumental@sutel.go.cr. Submissions must reference either case file GCO-DGC-APA-00832-2026 or GCO-DGC-HPE-00833-2026.
How Entirety Can Support
Companies monitoring AFC implementation frameworks, 6 GHz spectrum access requirements, and wireless device homologation procedures can also follow updates through Entirety Regulatory Intelligence Service, which provides ongoing tracking of Wireless Technologies & Networks regulatory developments worldwide.
Impact Assessment
- Technical Standards? ❌ No
- Type Approval & Market Access? ✅ Yes
- Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? ❌ No
- Spectrum Management? ✅ Yes
