QCOSTARICA — After several days of meetings on 5G technology, the United States and Costa Rica announced an agreement called “Cooperation in the Digital Economy”, focused on technological and telecommunications deployment.
“This statement serves as a testament to the flourishing partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica, and a strategic alignment and affirmation of the visionary principles outlined in the 2021 Prague Proposals on Telecommunications Provider Diversity,” indicates the statement released by the U.S. State Department.
“It represents a critical milestone in harnessing the transformative power of digital technology to improve economic vitality; “the strengthening of security frameworks and the general improvement of our societies, based on the esteemed values and objectives shared by our countries,” it adds.
The agreement covers areas ranging from improving digital connectivity and ensuring cybersecurity; to supporting innovation in our digital economies
Earlier this week, the Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies Anne Neuberger, joined by Department of State Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel C. Fick and U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Cynthia Telles, met with Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves and members of his cabinet to discuss shared priorities related to cybersecurity and telecommunications.
What was agreed?
According to the joint declaration, both countries commit to “foster an open, interoperable, reliable and secure digital infrastructure in Costa Rica.”
This includes the opening of 5G technology, but it goes further and already talks about future 6G. It also covers the development of the digital economy through public-private partnerships and international cooperation on digital issues.
It was specifically agreed:
- Telecommunications Provider Diversity – Improve the diversity of telecommunications providers. This involves exploring Open RAN-based approaches to 4G/5G through technical support, feasibility studies and fostering telecommunications innovation.
Research and development: advance research and development of open and interoperable network architectures for 5G and 6G. - Cybersecurity: Resources and best practices will be shared to help maintain a strong public and private digital infrastructure; as well as developing the cybersecurity workforce.
- Governance of artificial intelligence (AI): We will seek to develop a governance framework for AI that defends democratic values and human rights. Also that it maintains a competitive and innovation-friendly ecosystem and respects intellectual property rights, including copyrights.
- Cloud Infrastructure: Share best practices to maintain a robust cloud infrastructure, enhance cooperation in research and development, and promote industry growth in both nations.
- Unlicensed use of spectrum: We will seek to advocate for unlicensed use of the 6GHz band to support wireless connectivity and innovation.
