Costa Rica has one of the most modern telecommunications systems of Latin America. Mobile telephones operate on TDMA and GSM 1800.
TDMA is expected to disappear from the Costa Rican market though. In January 2006 only postpaid mobile phone is available but prepaid is estimated to be introduced in February 2006.
There is no difference in costs between TDMA and GSM 1800. There are two different calling tariffs: The first tariff group covers the time period from 7 AM till 7 PM on weekdays. Calls during this period cost 30 Colones per minute. The reduced tariff applies from 7 PM till 7 AM on weekday, and during the weekend which starts on Friday at 7 PM and ends Monday at 7 AM, as well as during holidays. The reduced tariff is 23 Colones per minute. The basic monthly fee for Mobile telephones is 2,900 Colones and includes 60 calling minutes. If your mobile phone is disconnected after not paying your telephone the bill, ICE will charge you a 1,520 Colones reconnection fee. Text-messaging costs 1.50 Colones for each message sent. A message can contain a maximum of 160 characters.
If you want a mobile phone you should first consult which technology is available in your area, after which you can visit the ICE office or one of the authorized dealerships. If you want a cellular phone as an individual, the following requirements apply:
bring your cédula and a copy of your cédula
personal details of the applicant
bring your own TDMA or GSM telephone or choose one in the store
bring original and two copies of your purchase ticket of your mobile telephone. This bill should include your personal data, name of the salesman, taxes and a stamp of the Tributación Directa.
pay a 12,500 Colones security deposit
bring a copy or original water, electricity or telephone bill on your name
Prepaid mobile telephones, which are estimated to be introduced in February 2006, will be easier to obtain than postpaid. For a prepaid you will only need to fill out an application form and present identification such as passport or cédula. Prepaid packages will be available at authorized dealerships.
If your mobile phone gets stolen you need to call 193 and report it stolen after which your telephone will be disconnected. To disconnect your telephone you will be charged a fee of 760 Colones. If later on you want to reconnect your mobile phone, you can do so by visiting the ICE office or sending a fax to 283-3147 including the data of your cellphone, a copy of your telephone bill, and a copy of your passport or cédula. Reconnection fees are 760 Colones.
INS, the Costa Rican state monopoly insurance company, offers insurance against cell phone theft. This policy cover lost or theft of cell phones. The premium of the insurance is 7.25% of the value of the cell phone. Important to know is that this policy is only available for new GSM phones. This insurance can only be renewed once. You can insure you cell phone when you buy it or within 30 days at your nearest insurance agent. You will have to bring your proof of purchase.
ICE offers different methods for paying your bills:
PAR - This is an automatic payment. Each month your bill is paid automatically from your Costa Rican checking account.
Internet - If you have a bank account with the Banco de Costa Rica or the Banco Nacional you can consult and pay your telephone bills online.
Telephone - If you have a bank account with the Banco de Costa Rica you can pay your bills by calling Bancantel at (506) 258-9191. If you hace a bank account with Banco Nacional you can pay your bill by calling BN Directo at (506) 212-2566.
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