ICE reaches 57 antennas in 14 indigenous territories of Southern and Atlantic Zones

This is an automated translation of the original release published in Spanish.

From ICE

May 8, 2024

Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, through its commercial brand kölbi, has 57 telecommunications radio bases installed in 14 indigenous territories in the Southern and Atlantic Zones of the country. Of them, 45 have been received by the Trust in charge and 12 are in the acceptance stage.

Since 2022, 41 of these radio bases have been delivered (72%), and in the same period, 58 Public Service Provision Centers (CPSP) were installed, giving a total of 67.

The project is part of FONATEL's Connected Communities-Indigenous Territories Program, which is advancing according to the current schedule. To date, 35 radio bases have been delivered in the Atlantic and 22 in the South. The most recent were in Namaldi and Corina, in Bajo Chirripó, Matina canton.

“Our commitment to indigenous peoples remains; It is part of the essence of ICE and kölbi . We have built the necessary infrastructure to bring services to these territories, reaffirming our vision of contributing to closing the digital divide and economic, social and environmental development,” said Luis Diego Abarca, Telecommunications Manager of the Institute.

The radio bases recently accepted by FONATEL are located in Alto Conte Guaymi de Conte Burica, and Shuabb in Talamanca Bribrí; The Progress of China Kichá in Talamanca Cábecar, and Kabebata in Cábecar Chirripó.

In this way, ICE provides landline telephony and internet to 143 communities in 14 indigenous territories. In total, it is planned to install 70 radio bases; 39 in the Atlantic and 31 in the South. The progress of the program exceeds 83%.

In parallel, in the territories with coverage, ICE holds awareness talks to inform about the benefits, uses and care of the internet. In addition, testimonies are shared about how technology has helped the inhabitants of these regions, with the aim of reinforcing and promoting education and security.

In April, in the Southern Zone, events were held in the Guaymí Altos de San Antonio, Cabagra and Salitre territories, while, in the Atlantic Zone, in the Alto Chirripó indigenous territory. In June and September they will be held in Alto and Bajo Chirripó, Talamanca Bribrí, Talamanca Cabécar, Keköldi and Tayní, also in the Atlantic.