Costa Rica’s WiMax Service is Bringing Internet to Hard to Reach Areas.

Costa Rica is known as one of the most technologically advanced countries in Central and South America. With widespread internet usage, cable and satellite availability, and an always-expanding register of digital goodies, this small country is a Latin leader in modern developments. Next up: WiMax high-speed internet service available throughout the country.

WiFi, the small-scale form of wireless high-speed internet that we are most used to, differs from WiMax in several ways. WiMax networks function similarly to cell phone networks, providing broadband internet connectivity from a central location, available to all within range. However, like cell phone networks, some areas will be located in “dead zones,” and will not have service. WiFi, on the other hand, functions more like your cordless phones. A small base station broadcasts the signal to a very small area — typically just your home — and provides wireless internet access to anyone within its short range.

In January 2008, Radiográfica Costarricense S.A. (Racsa, one of the government monopolies in charge of Costa Rican internet) installed 1,000 WiMax connections, and is expected to increase that number to 8,000 by June 2009. WiMax technology, instead of using copper or fiber-optic cables, employs the use of radio bases, sending out a microwave signal which covers an approximate 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) range.

Since WiMax allows for microwave internet signal transmission, the service will be very useful in areas where internet has usually been impossible. When the signal reaches your home, a small adaptor “translates” the signal, allowing your computer to read it. With this WiMax service, Living in Costa Rica will become much more convenient as internet connectivity increases countrywide, again proving the country’s reputation as leader of the pack.

As with many new technologies, WiMax will not come cheap. Racsa, which will market the service under the brand Evoluciona, will offer download speeds between 512 Kbps and 2 Mbps. Costs will range from $34 (approximately ¢17.775) to $244 (about ¢127.500), and installation costs will run $100. Amnet/Racsa currently offers cable internet service for much less: $35 for 1 Mbps, versus $80 for the equivalent Evoluciona service, and $50 for 2 Mbps, versus $244 for the equivalent Evoluciona service.

“These are technologies of much more maturity, more availability, and therefore, they have matching prices,” Mario Estrada, Marketing Manager for Racsa, said. “This technology (wireless) is emergent.” Nevertheless, Estrada says that hopes are for prices to go down as demand goes up.

WiMax is already functioning in some parts of the country. Last year, Racsa installed the service on the cerro Abra in Escazú, and had 13 radio bases installed. Areas served include Escazú and Santa Ana, and it is currently being successfully used for commercial purposes.

As WiMax grows, Costa Rica is poised to provide more and more wireless services, hoping to someday provide internet connectivity to anyone who wants it. And, though it’s starting out at a high price point, over time, its monthly costs are expected to fall, allowing for every Costa Rican resident to check their email from their home in the Central Valley, the beach along the Caribbean, or the forests of Corcovado.

This post's rating:

Related Stories

Filed under: Living on July 7th, 2008