Costa Rica has established a detailed accreditation and operational framework for the organizations responsible for managing Automated Frequency Coordination systems. Resolution RCS-137-2026 defines how AFC database administrators must qualify and operate before supporting Standard Power devices in the 5925–7125 MHz band.
The Costa Rica AFC framework is relevant to the deployment of Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and other Standard Power devices that depend on automated frequency authorization. Beyond creating an administrative accreditation procedure, the resolution sets expectations for the technical capabilities, security controls, database integrity, and interference-protection functions required from an AFC operator.
What the Costa Rica AFC Resolution Establishes
Resolution RCS-137-2026 creates the procedure for accrediting Peritos Administradores de Base de Datos de Control Automático de Frecuencias, or PAAFCs.
These accredited administrators are responsible for operating the AFC databases that determine whether a Standard Power device may use a particular channel and power level at a specific geographic location.
Applicants must submit information regarding their organization, experience, technical architecture, monitoring systems, communication protocols, contingency plans, and operational capabilities. They must also demonstrate at least one year of national or international experience in database administration, unless they qualify for the resolution’s partial exception for internationally accredited AFC administrators.
Technical Capabilities Required from AFC Operators
Beyond the regulatory process, an AFC operator needs the technical capacity to manage highly accurate databases and perform complex interference-protection calculations.
The proposed system must include a technical architecture capable of processing device information, geographic references, operating frequencies, and permitted power levels. Moreover, the administrator must describe the interfaces and protocols used to ensure secure communication between the AFC system and Standard Power devices.
The system must also include controls that prevent unauthorized parties from accessing or modifying equipment configurations, database records, operating frequencies, or authorized power levels. Additionally, applicants must describe their maintenance policies, monitoring mechanisms, corrective measures, and contingency plans for responding to isolated or widespread system failures.
Although the resolution does not expressly use the term “standardized API,” it clearly requires secure communication interfaces and protocols between the AFC platform and controlled devices.
Incumbent Protection and FCC Alignment
A core responsibility of the AFC administrator is protecting licensed services from harmful interference.
The resolution requires AFC operators to apply the operational requirements of FCC Part 15 Subpart E and FCC Report and Order 20-51. This includes the calculation methods, propagation models, geolocation controls, and other technical specifications needed to determine whether a Standard Power device can operate without affecting protected services.
The AFC system must validate that devices report their exact location and operate only on frequencies and power levels authorized for that location. Therefore, accurate geolocation data is central to the interference analysis performed by the platform.
Cybersecurity and Database Reliability
Accredited AFC administrators must maintain the integrity and continuous availability of their platforms.
The database must generally remain available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, except during authorized maintenance windows. Administrators must also keep database-management software and related operating systems updated with security patches intended to mitigate intrusion risks.
Furthermore, robust security protocols are required to prevent unauthorized access and protect the integrity of device, certification, and geolocation information stored or processed by the AFC platform.
Serial Number and Homologation Verification
Standard Power devices must be properly reflected in the AFC administrator’s records before they can receive operating authorization.
The PAAFC may register the serial numbers of homologated devices or access the repository designated by SUTEL’s General Directorate of Quality on a daily basis. The downloaded information must include the brand, model, and associated serial numbers of each AFC-controlled Standard Power device.
This requirement ensures an exact correspondence between the individual device, its certification record, and its eligibility to operate under Standard Power conditions.
AFC Testing and Geolocation Controls
Before receiving full operational approval, the AFC system must undergo testing through field trials, simulations, and a production-stage evaluation.
The tests must demonstrate that the platform can:
- Identify the permitted frequency range.
- Determine the location of each Standard Power device.
- Calculate maximum authorized power levels.
- Process SUTEL-provided databases correctly.
- Securely register devices through unique identifiers.
- Verify that the model is homologated.
- Apply the required propagation and attenuation models.
- Identify the channels available in each geographic area.
The corresponding test plan and results are subject to SUTEL’s review and approval.
Fail-Safe Operation When Channels Are Unavailable
The AFC system may determine that no Standard Power channels are available at a device’s location.
In that situation, the administrator must ensure that the device does not continue operating under AFC-controlled Standard Power conditions. Instead, the system must disable its Standard Power functionality when it does not receive positive confirmation of permitted channels.
The device may only continue operating under the technical conditions applicable to free-use frequency bands. Therefore, the resolution establishes a controlled fallback rather than requiring the entire device to shut down.
Relationship with Device Homologation
Resolution RCS-137-2026 regulates AFC database administrators rather than directly establishing the full homologation procedure for Standard Power equipment.
However, the two areas are operationally connected. An AFC system must confirm that the equipment model is homologated and that the individual device identifier corresponds with the records maintained or provided by SUTEL.
As a result, manufacturers should ensure that their products support:
- Accurate geolocation reporting.
- Secure AFC communications.
- Unique device identification.
- Proper response to authorization denials.
- Operation only on approved channels and power levels.
- Compatibility with the AFC verification process.
What Manufacturers Should Review
Manufacturers developing Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, or other 6 GHz Standard Power products should evaluate both the certification status of the equipment and its technical interaction with AFC platforms.
In particular, product architecture and firmware should support secure communications, reliable geolocation, individual device identification, authorization-based channel selection, and safe disabling of Standard Power functionality when AFC approval is unavailable.
The Costa Rica AFC requirements also show that market readiness depends not only on product homologation but on the device’s ability to interact correctly with an accredited and technically robust frequency-coordination system.
