Costa Rica may soon face a digital disruption of epic proportions. At the heart of the concern is the Maya-1 submarine cable, a vital internet lifeline connecting the country through the province of Limón. This undersea cable, operated by an international consortium that includes the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), has been the backbone of Costa Rica’s internet connectivity for nearly 25 years. But here’s the catch—the cable’s operational period ends on October 21, 2025, and the clock is ticking with no clear plan in place to secure its future.
Why Is Maya-1 So Important?
Submarine cables like Maya-1 are the unsung heroes of modern connectivity. Forget satellites—95% of global internet traffic relies on undersea cables. Maya-1, which stretches across the Caribbean, links Costa Rica to critical international networks. Without it, Costa Rica’s ability to connect to the global internet would be significantly hindered, impacting everything from banking and business operations to education and government functions.
In short, this isn’t just about slow Netflix streams. It’s about the survival of a nation’s digital economy.
The Bureaucratic Bottleneck
Here’s where things get dicey. According to Costa Rica’s General Telecommunications Law, ICE and the consortium operating Maya-1 were required to request an extension for the cable’s operation at least 18 months before its expiration. That deadline has come and gone, and no request has been submitted.
To complicate matters further, the Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL) has confirmed that any contract extension for Maya-1 must be authorized by Costa Rica’s Executive Branch, as required by Law No. 7832. Without this approval, the necessary technical evaluations cannot proceed.
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) has also weighed in, stating that it has received no extension request from ICE or the consortium. MICITT is responsible for approving submarine cable routes and ensuring compliance with operational timelines, but its hands are tied until ICE takes action.
In short, the ball is in ICE’s court, and they’ve yet to make a move.
What Are the Risks?
If no action is taken, Costa Rica faces the very real possibility of losing access to the Maya-1 cable. This would force the country to rely on alternative connections, potentially leading to:
- Reduced Internet Capacity: While Maya-1 operates at less than 50% of its maximum capacity, its loss would strain the remaining infrastructure, particularly as data demand continues to rise.
- Higher Costs: Limited capacity often means higher prices for internet services, which could trickle down to businesses and consumers.
- Economic Impact: Costa Rica’s status as a hub for multinational corporations and foreign investment depends heavily on reliable internet connectivity. Any disruption could harm its competitive edge.
A Ray of Hope
Not all is doom and gloom. Liberty Networks, a key player in the region and part of Liberty Latin America, has stated that Maya-1 and another cable, CJFS, have sufficient capacity to meet demand for the next decade. Liberty Networks is also exploring new cable projects, such as extending its LN-1 cable system to the Cayman Islands, which could benefit Costa Rica’s connectivity in the future.
Ray Collins, Liberty Latin America’s SVP of Infrastructure and Corporate Strategy, has expressed openness to discussing new cable extensions with regional partners. This could provide a lifeline for Costa Rica—if the government and ICE step up to the plate.
Costa Rica’s Connectivity Challenges
Costa Rica’s reliance on robust internet infrastructure cannot be overstated. From supporting its burgeoning tech sector to facilitating everyday communications, stable connectivity is crucial. Yet, the Maya-1 situation underscores a larger issue: the need for long-term planning and investment in digital infrastructure.
Countries worldwide are doubling down on their digital infrastructure to stay competitive. Costa Rica risks falling behind unless it takes decisive action to secure its connectivity.
What Needs to Happen Now?
To avoid a potential crisis, Costa Rica must act swiftly and decisively. Here’s what needs to be done:
1. Immediate Action from ICE
ICE must submit the necessary extension request to the Executive Branch as soon as possible. Delays only increase the risk of disruption and signal a lack of preparedness.
2. Government Authorization
The Executive Branch must prioritize the Maya-1 extension, ensuring that SUTEL and MICITT have the green light to carry out technical evaluations and approve the extension.
3. Explore Alternative Solutions
Costa Rica should actively engage with Liberty Networks and other operators to explore new submarine cable projects. Diversifying its connectivity options would reduce reliance on a single cable and provide a safety net for the future.
4. Increase Transparency
The public and private sectors must work together to keep Costa Ricans informed about the status of Maya-1 and any new projects. Transparency builds trust and ensures accountability.
5. Invest in the Future
Beyond extending Maya-1, Costa Rica needs a long-term strategy for digital infrastructure. This includes building or partnering on new cables and investing in emerging technologies to meet future data demands.
Why This Matters
Costa Rica’s digital future is at stake. The internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for economic growth, education, healthcare, and innovation. The failure to address the Maya-1 situation would not only disrupt daily life but also tarnish Costa Rica’s reputation as a forward-thinking, tech-friendly nation.
By taking swift and decisive action, Costa Rica can secure its connectivity and ensure that it remains a leader in the region. The clock is ticking, but there’s still time to act—if the right steps are taken.
Final Thoughts
The Maya-1 cable is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it’s a lifeline for Costa Rica’s digital economy and global competitiveness. While the situation is urgent, it’s not insurmountable. With coordinated action from ICE, the government, and private sector partners, Costa Rica can overcome this challenge and build a stronger foundation for its digital future.
Let’s hope the powers that be are paying attention because Costa Rica’s connectivity—and its reputation—depend on it.
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