Costa Rica Updates National Frequency Plan

Costa Rica has introduced significant reforms to its National Frequency Attribution Plan (PNAF), marking an important step toward harmonizing national spectrum regulations with the 2024 Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The updated framework establishes new spectrum allocations, technical requirements, and operational conditions designed to support emerging telecommunications technologies while maintaining regulatory certainty for existing services.

The Costa Rica Frequency Plan update is intended to facilitate next-generation connectivity initiatives, including direct-to-device satellite communications, advanced mobile telecommunications services, and expanded satellite network operations.

Key Changes in the Costa Rica Frequency Plan

The reform modifies Articles 4, 14, 15, and 16 of Executive Decree No. 44010-MICITT. These changes modernize spectrum management provisions and introduce updated technical parameters across numerous frequency bands.

Frequency Allocation Updates

Under Article 14, Costa Rica revised allocations across a broad spectrum range from 495 kHz to 248 GHz.

The National Allocation Table was updated to align with international spectrum management practices and accommodate services including:

• Maritime mobile communications
• Aeronautical communications
• Space research and exploration services
• Radio astronomy
• International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)
• Satellite communications

Additionally, the revised allocations incorporate internationally recognized safety frequencies supporting maritime and aeronautical emergency communications.

National Notes and Regulatory Provisions

Article 15 updates dozens of national “CTR” notes to reflect revised channelization schemes and operational limitations.

Notable modifications include:

• Repeal of CTR 011 and CTR 040.
• Addition of new provisions supporting direct-to-device (D2D) satellite technology.
• Updates to operational restrictions and channel arrangements across multiple frequency bands.

Moreover, new definitions were introduced to support emerging satellite communication systems, including direct connectivity between satellite systems and IMT user equipment, fixed earth stations, earth stations with specific technical conditions, and earth stations with similar technical conditions.

Technical Requirements and Power Adjustments

Narrowband Systems

Appendix II updates technical parameters applicable to fixed and mobile two-way narrowband systems.

The amendments address:

• Channel widths
• Power limitations
• Operating conditions

Furthermore, the regulation specifies that the Superintendence of Telecommunications (SUTEL) will establish complementary technical requirements.

Free-Use and Low-Power Radio Services

Appendix V introduces revised channel tables, channel spacing requirements, and Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) limits for:

• General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
• Family Radio Service (FRS)
• Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)

These changes affect low-power communications and license-exempt radio operations.

Fixed Service Radio Links

Appendix VI establishes new minimum separation distances required for Fixed Service radio link deployments.

As a result, operators planning new radio link infrastructure must consider updated spacing requirements during network design and deployment.

Satellite Systems and Earth Stations

Appendix VII introduces extensive provisions governing satellite operations.

The update includes:

• References to applicable ITU resolutions intended to prevent harmful interference.
• Restrictions defining which station types may operate within specific frequency segments.
• Operational conditions for fixed stations, aircraft stations, vessel stations, and land vehicle stations.
• Requirements applicable to various categories of earth stations and satellite systems.

These measures provide a clearer regulatory framework for expanding satellite-based telecommunications services in Costa Rica.

Transitional Measures

To prevent disruption to existing services, the regulation includes transitional provisions.

For example:

• Certain pending narrowband applications operating within 225 MHz to 288 MHz may continue to be processed temporarily using analog technology.
• Existing amplitude modulation (AM) radio links may continue operating under their current conditions.

Consequently, stakeholders are provided with additional time to adapt to the new regulatory framework without immediate operational impacts.

What This Means for Industry Stakeholders

The updated Costa Rica Frequency Plan creates a modernized spectrum management framework that aligns national regulations with international standards. By introducing updated allocations, satellite communication provisions, revised technical requirements, and new operational conditions, Costa Rica establishes the regulatory foundation necessary to support future telecommunications development and advanced connectivity services.

Organizations involved in telecommunications infrastructure, wireless networks, satellite services, radio communications, and spectrum-dependent technologies should review the revised frequency allocations and technical requirements to assess potential impacts on future deployments and regulatory compliance activities.

How Entirety Can Help

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Impact Assessment

Technical Standards?  No

Type Approval & Market Access?  Yes

Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance?  No

Spectrum Management?  Yes