GSM coverage still spotty

GSM cell phone coverage in Costa Rica is spotty and still does not reach many parts of the country, local newspaper La Nación reported. Even though French supplier Alcatel (NYSE: ALA), who is in charge of the country's GSM network, recently installed 80 new towers, there are at least 16 communities in Costa Rica that still do not have coverage, according to electricity and telecommunications monopoly ICE. Some of the areas affected are Llano Grande de Cartago, Florencia de San Carlos, Chomes de Puntarenas, and the highway between the capital city of San José and the city of Limón. Alcatel won a GSM build out contract in 2002, but has never fully fulfilled the contract terms. Following up on an order by Costa Rica's comptroller general to punish Alcatel for the contract irregularities, ICE has fined the French company 10.8mn colones (US$22,790).