Liberty Latin America (LLA) switched on its 5G network in Costa Rica for localised tests as part of plans for commercial launch this year.
In a statement, LLA said 5G is available now in two locations, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (Latin University of Costa Rica) and the Ultrapark Dos commercial work space campus.
At the university, LLA will be focusing on integrating 5G in educational and scientific environments, and business solutions will be tested in the latter such as energy consumption tracking, security, and inventory control.
A further 17 locations are primed for 5G activations with the green light from LLA executive branch required to proceed. In total, LLA aims to have 34 5G sites switched on across San Jose.
LLA is operating 100MHz of 3.5GHz spectrum for its 5G network. During the test LLA will also make its 5G network available to users in a demo space located in a LLA store, where users can experience speeds over 1Gbps or FWA internet.
LLA general manager Johanna Escobar said: “Over the next few weeks we will announce actions so that customers can test this network, as phone manufacturers enable their models for 5G in the country.”
Escobar added the tests are a step forward to commercial launch “in the coming months”. Operators in Costa Rica are still awaiting its 5G airwaves auction, with launches expected after.
Delays are feared for Costa Rica's 5G auction with turmoil reported within regulator Sutel.
