In the last couple of weeks one of our accounts has been having a hard time logging into their server. So after they rebooted the router a few times and then cleaned the ends of the cables the problem still existed. For a while it was driving me a bit crazy why this was happening until suddenly that light bulb clicked on; I remembered the article I wrote back in April, 2010, Net Neutrality For Costa Rica – Throttling Bandwidth Usages and Charging For It.
A Free Trade Agreement signed with the US and Canada (a few years back) ensured that private companies are able to operate in the telecoms sector. State-owned ISP, Radiográfica Costarricense (RACSA) has already formed alliances with the main cable operators to allow them to provide broadband services and ICE has been working feverishly to upgrade their system. Since then, the competition has been going hog wild running fiber optic just about everywhere, which leads one to ask two big questions: Read more... (1073 words, 1 image, estimated 4:18 mins reading time)
- Are some of Costa Rica Internet Service Providers (ISP) starting to throttle bandwidth to save money?
- And could this be the first sign that these companies may start charging their customers for excessive and/or limit bandwidth as we wrote about back in April, 2010?
I know that there are many questions about serving process here in Costa Rica. This blog is not intended to be legal advice nor is it a legal opinion. However, I think a review of the procedure for serving process in the States would shed light on the problems encountered here in Costa Rica serving process. In the United States we are accustomed to paying anywhere between $50 to $100 to have process served. In Costa Rica that cost is going to be a lot higher.
Anyone over the age of 18 can serve subpoenas, but a summons requires service by a deputy sheriff or other person authorized by law. Almost every state has similar laws regarding the service of process. Most mirror the Federal Rules.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is an example of the rules in the majority of the states. From reading the rules one can see there are very specific rules as to who can serve process. Although the rule provides for appointment of a person who has no interest in the case by the Court of Competent Jurisdiction, that does not apply in Costa Rica because the Courts in the United States have no jurisdiction here. Read more... (825 words, 1 image, estimated 3:18 mins reading time)
One of the biggest bummers in Costa Rica is their infamous import tax, a horrendous tax that is applied to so-called luxury items, such as boats, vehicles and electronics. A tax that makes these items VERY expensive. Anyone that has tried to import a vehicle knows how a $10,000 vehicle can quickly become a major investment and/or headache.
However, this week may have changed that. It is no secret that China has been wining and dining Costa Rica politicians for some time now and has forked out mucho dinero for such projects as a Chinatown in San Jose.
In April 2010 Costa Rica signed a free trade agreements with China, before this agreement the US accounted for almost half of Costa Rica imports. China is Costa Rica’s second largest trading partner and for the last five years has been dumping billions into Costa Rica by investments, bonds and aid, including a new soccer stadium.
However, last week (May 31st) lawmakers on passed a final version of Costa Rica’s Free Trade Agreement with China (CFTA). According to Foreign Trade Minister Anabel González this will help improve the lives of Costa Ricans by generating more jobs, consolidating access for products exported to China and expanding options for consumers. Read more... (675 words, 1 image, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)
El Presidente is a great place to people watch - but that may change since they shut down their popular News Cafe.
A tip (also called a gratuity) has always been a special thanks to a server for good service. Such payments and their size are a matter of social custom and etiquette and usually are around 10% plus of the total bill. Tipping varies among cultures and by service industry.
In Costa Rica, those that provide services in restaurants and bars or unskilled labor make less than $2/hr (more like $1/hr if not less) – so tipping becomes a major source of income. Restaurants and bars are allowed, by law, to add 10% to the check as a “propina” (tip). The 10% is then suppose to be divided between the restaurant waiters and bar staff, and in some cases, bus boys and kitchen workers, which in many cases that money is much greater than the base salary.
Like Mexico and other countries, Costa Rica’s restaurant and bars owners have always added a 10% on top of the bill. Unfortunately, this money has always had scrutiny because it somehow is not divided equal among the workers – the owners are the ones that retain the largest percentage. Read more... (740 words, 3 images, estimated 2:58 mins reading time)
The ICE Monopoly may have its problems providing a good customer service.
Beginning this week the new Apple, iPhone G4 will start selling in Costa Rica. Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) the state’s telephone, and Internet monopoly, officially became the NEW monopoly distributor and exclusive seller for Apple’s new iPhone G4s. Retailers who have iPhones for sale in Costa Rica, unless it is an ICE authorized agent, are not authorized by Apple to sell them!
Was this a surprise, not really?
Back in Feb, 2011 we wrote how ICE has been under threat since the signing (Jan.2009) of Central American Free-Trade Agreement (CAFTA) when they suddenly found themselves in a competitive world of the telecom market; something they knew little about and not prepared for like the demand for high-tech phones and service.
So it wasn’t a surprise (when we also speculated in Feb) that Apple had Costa Rica in their business plan and they are preparing to open up a few more Apple Mac service Centers.
Obviously, ICE saw a big opportunely to cash in on Apple’s demanding iPhones and obviously made a sweet-heart deal. Read more... (531 words, 1 image, estimated 2:07 mins reading time)
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