The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) requested a right of reply from Semanario Universidad following the publication of an article on July 2, which ICE claims contained information and content that could harm its image. The right of reply was published on July 9 in both the print edition (issue 2564) and the website of Semanario Universidad.
ICE states that the wording of the original article aimed to mislead readers by taking out of context a matter related to a legal contractual process between two public institutions. According to ICE, it has an active contract with the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) that allows ICE to provide telecommunications services as needed for national connectivity and educational solutions.
The MEP requested that ICE supply a Managed Wireless Network Service (WLAN) for educational centers in 2024. ICE explains that this service provision aligns with Law 8660, which gives ICE and its companies legal capacity to engage in commercial practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness, allowing them flexibility in business planning according to market needs. The agreement ensures technical and operational continuity without interruption while meeting requirements for maintenance, security, technological evolution, and cost optimization.
To meet these requirements, the service had to support remote administration, creation of subnets, multifactor authentication, and other technical features for enhanced security and centralized management. These were offered by the company selected by ICE. This company also provided integration with existing equipment, local support capability, and experience managing networks—factors considered important for maintaining and expanding client technology infrastructure.
ICE notes that its commercial partner PBS has been registered since 2018. In 2024 a commercial agreement was signed for managed services under a standardized solution model after analysis led by an independent specialized unit within ICE’s Commercialization Directorate.
According to ICE, its proposal for managed WLAN network services at MEP education centers responds directly to stated requirements in order documents. This enables fulfillment of MEP’s mandate to provide optimal IT infrastructure supporting quality in Costa Rica’s education system.
Addressing repeated objections about the appointment of its Telecommunications Manager, ICE’s senior management maintains: “the analysis of work experience as well as legal criteria, human talent considerations, academic background and technical suitability confirm the legality of this appointment strictly adhering to current law.” They add: “Any attempt to question this process lacks technical or legal basis and hinders the institution’s work undertaken with full responsibility.”
ICE concludes: “ICE will continue acting firmly with responsibility and technical rigor in executing strategic projects aiming to strengthen access to education, connectivity and technological development across Costa Rica.”
