Costa Rica will soon plug into a next-generation submarine cable system that promises to transform the nation’s internet capacity and strengthen international connectivity.


The state-owned Electricity Institute (ICE) announced Thursday that its telecom brand, kölbi, is moving forward with integration into the TAM-1 fiber-optic network. The upgrade is expected to boost the country’s bandwidth by 23 times.




TAM-1 is the first fiber-optic system built specifically to meet rising data demand across the trans-Atlantic region. Stretching more than 7,000 kilometers, its initial route will link Florida with Central America and the Caribbean. Once fully operational, the cable will carry 24 fiber pairs.


The project is being developed by Trans Americas Fiber System Limited UK company. AT&T is serving as both anchor tenant and landing partner for all U.S. connections.

Costa Rica’s link to the network is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. ICE said the investment will deliver faster, more reliable, and more secure digital services, while also supporting the country’s ongoing fiber-optic expansion and 5G rollout.


“This connection is more than a technical upgrade; it’s a commitment to Costa Rica’s development,” said Leda Acevedo, ICE’s telecommunications manager. “TAM-1 will connect nations, open business opportunities, foster innovation, and drive progress. It reaffirms our commitment to national development.”


Acevedo said the cable’s technology allows capacity upgrades without physical interventions, improves efficiency, and provides diverse international routes. “We will reduce costs, improve service quality, and offer more competitive pricing,” she noted.


Through TAM-1, ICE and kölbi will be able to scale up to 18 terabits per second, or more if needed, enhancing performance for streaming services, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and 5G.


ICE, founded in 1949, is Costa Rica’s state-owned provider of electricity and telecommunications services.

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