Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07SANJOSE107
2007-01-22 20:12:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy San Jose
Cable title:  

ANNUAL USTR TELECOM REVIEW

Tags:  ECPS ECON ETRD USTR 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSJ #0107 0222012
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 222012Z JAN 07
FM AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7037
UNCLAS SAN JOSE 000107 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN
PASS USTR WASH DC FOR CATHERINE HINCKLEY

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECPS ECON ETRD USTR
SUBJECT: ANNUAL USTR TELECOM REVIEW

REF: STATE 202978

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 000107

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN
PASS USTR WASH DC FOR CATHERINE HINCKLEY

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECPS ECON ETRD USTR
SUBJECT: ANNUAL USTR TELECOM REVIEW

REF: STATE 202978


1. The Costa Rican parastatal entity Instituto Costarricense de
Electricidad (ICE) has monopoly control over all telephonic and
internet service in the country. According to an opinion of the
Attorney General, a private company cannot offer VOIP services to
third parties on a fee basis without first obtaining a concession
from the Costa Rican legislature. Post is unaware if any service
provider has requested a concession but we do know that none has yet
been granted.


2. Post has anectdotal evidence that many people within Costa Rica
currently use two well-known VOIP services. According to an opinion
by the Attorney General there is at present no regulation that
prohibits or regulates users from taking advantage of VOIP services
in Costa Rica.


3. CAFTA-DR requires that Costa Rica open its telecommunications
market for internet services which would include opening the market
to providers of VOIP services.


LANGDALE