Calling Costa Rica

[d360]

Costa Rica is changing their phone numbers from seven to eight digits on March 20, 2008.

The numbering system will be as follows:
Place a 2 in front of all land line numbers (those presently beginning with 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7).
Place an 8 in front of all mobile numbers (those presently beginning with 3 or 8).

[thomasr]

Well worth mention d360,

Businesses here have been preparing their records ready for the switch that night, many having to do it manually - ouch. It shows just how fast the telecommunications market is growing in Costa Rica with more mobile and landlines becomming available not to mention the increase in broadband access.

It will be interesting to see how well demand is catered for if and when the telecommunications market becomes open to competition.

[d360]

Now if only the gov would only release the monopoly on cell phone service.

[thomasr]

They will i believe once CAFTA is officially passed. Now the deadline has been extended to october to get all the laws passed, they all should be passed in time and then that market will become open.

I really don't thnk a state run monopoly in that sector is doing the country much good. Although now with the threat that they might have to face competition, they appear to be stepping up their services offeirng more and faster broadband.

Sources: Costa Rica Travel, News and Reviews, AM Costa Rica and Inside Costa Rica