Internet users could face speed, access problems over the weekend

The Telecommunications Superintendency (SUTEL) announced that users of both fixed line and mobile Internet services could experience intermittent or full interruptions beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday and lasting until 6 a.m. on Sunday.

The corporate group that administrates the MAYA-1 submarine cable will be repairing the cable, one of three that provide Internet access to the country.

Costa Rica is connected to the Internet mainly through three submarine cables: ARCOS, MAYA-1 and Level 3 Communications.

Each local Internet Service Provider (ISP) usually has connections to at least two of these cables, so that Internet traffic can be routed to another cable when problems occur.

SUTEL officials said the most likely consequence will be reduced transmission speeds of up to 50 percent. But intermittent and total interruptions also are possible.

The Science, Technology and Telecommunications Ministry on Thursday confirmed that not all of the country’s ISP’s are interconnected to MAYA-1. They recommended users ask providers for more information.

Planned work on the cable includes securing the electrical infrastructure, the transport route and the platforms that support the cable, SUTEL reported.