Paul Fervoy | Chief Executive Officer | Siftia
In recent years, the concept of technological neutrality has gained significant prominence in public debate and the formulation of public policies in Latin America, especially in the field of telecommunications and, more recently, in the implementation of 5G technologies. As the former president of CAMTIC and an active witness to the challenges and opportunities faced by the region in this context, I have had the opportunity to reflect on these topics, and was inspired by the podcast interview – mentioned and linked below – that highlights the urgency of addressing the digital divide, the challenges of artificial intelligence, and the need for equitable access to technology.
Principles of Tech Neutrality
In August 2014, I had the privilege of leading the Cámara de Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación task force responsible for developing the principle of technological neutrality for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. This development by CAMTIC marked a milestone by defining principles of technological neutrality, recognizing its importance for the inclusive and equitable development of the country’s technological ecosystem. This approach not only promotes a level playing field for all actors in the technology sector but also fosters open innovation and fair competition.
Technological neutrality, a principle that defends equal opportunities for all technologies in the market, has been revealed not only as an ideal to aspire to but as a practical necessity to foster innovation, competitiveness, and, above all, to ensure that the benefits of technology are accessible to all. This vision is particularly relevant in the context of the implementation of 5G in Costa Rica, where CAMTIC has played a crucial role in highlighting the importance of maintaining this principle in the development of regulations governing this new technology.
listen to the experts who conduct technical reports that can really help politicians make informed decisions to regulate based on knowledge, based on access to technologies, based on not favoring or limiting access I think that that is one of the great challenges. – Betania Allo
Costa Rica’s experience with the 5G regulation serves as an illustrative case study of how the lack of technological neutrality can lead to an unnecessary limitation of the available technological options, risking equitable access to technology and, with it, the fundamental right of people to fully participate in the digital society. This challenge becomes even more evident when considering the limited resources of our countries and the urgency to act against the clock in the face of technological advances and their social and economic implications.
From my experience in CAMTIC, I have learned that advocating for technological neutrality is not just a matter of principles but a pragmatic strategy to ensure the sustainable and equitable development of our societies. In this sense, technological neutrality becomes a bridge to the future, one that allows us to navigate the complexity of the digital era without favoring incumbent technologies and without losing sight of equity and inclusion.
Tech Neutrality in Central America
Reflecting on the perspectives shared by Félix Riaño, Betania Allo, and Paula Brenes Ramírez in a recent conversation on the EntreVistas podcast EntreVistas (de El Siglo 21 es Hoy) (YouTube y Spotify), I was motivated to remember and reflect on my experiences with the development of technological neutrality in Costa Rica, a principle that also resonates deeply with my beliefs and convictions. The discussion among the experts has led me to contemplate how technological neutrality intertwines with the reality of Latin America, a region characterized by its limited resources and constant search for equitable development.
The interview highlighted how our countries face the challenge of adopting technologies in a way that fosters innovation without leaving anyone behind. Technological neutrality emerges as a pragmatic solution, offering a level playing field for all, from urban areas to the most distant rural communities. This principle not only democratizes access to technology but also presents itself as a fundamental right, ensuring that connectivity and the benefits derived from technology are accessible to all, regardless of their geographical location or economic situation.
In this sense, the experiences shared by Betania and Paula illuminate the complexity and urgency of implementing effective technological neutrality. From the challenges faced by Paula during the cyberattacks in Costa Rica to Betania’s vision of sustainability and public policies in the context of global cybersecurity, these narratives highlight the importance of a resilient and accessible technological infrastructure.
Tech Neutrality and 5G in Costa Rica
Paula refers to a recent example from Costa Rica of the application of technological neutrality in the context of the “Reglamento sobre medidas de ciberseguridad aplicables a los servicios de telecomunicaciones basados en la tecnología de quinta generación móvil (5G)” proposed by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) of Costa Rica. During my presidency at CAMTIC, we urged MICITT to promote a space for dialogue to review and optimize the 5G cybersecurity framework, highlighting the need for an inclusive and collaborative approach to the implementation of critical technologies such as 5G. As Paula says, often, “political actions are prioritized over [above] technical criteria.” Not only in Costa Rica but in the region, Betania comments, what is required is to “listen to the experts who conduct technical reports that can really help politicians make informed decisions to regulate based on knowledge, based on access to technologies, based on not favoring or limiting access I think that that is one of the great challenges.” CAMTIC’s call was precisely a proposal to sit down and discuss the technical criteria for the implementation of 5G.
CAMTIC’s approach to technological neutrality and its practical application in the case of the 5G regulation exemplifies how civil society organizations can and must play an active role in promoting policies that support equitable and accessible technological development. By promoting open standards and interoperability, CAMTIC not only advocates for a more competitive and diverse technological industry in Costa Rica but also establishes a model for other countries in the Central American region and beyond.
Tech Neutrality and Innovation in Latin America
The interview with Betania and Paula also emphasized the need for international collaboration and negotiation as key tools to achieve more equitable access to technology. This perspective resonates with me, especially considering my experience in representing Costa Rica’s technology industry and at regional forums. The idea of negotiating as a regional bloc, leveraging technological neutrality to benefit our communities as a whole, is not only strategically sensible but also deeply fair.
On the other hand, the interview also revealed the inherent difficulties of this path. Each goal we set ourselves, especially in fields as dynamic and critical as technology and cybersecurity, demands considerable effort. The experts explain how the successful implementation of technological neutrality requires a comprehensive vision that encompasses everything from legislation and infrastructure to education and digital inclusion. We are, without a doubt, against the clock, facing imminent challenges that artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies will present us. However, I am convinced that through dialogue, collaboration, and a firm commitment to our principles, we can navigate these challenges and create a technological future that reflects our deepest values of equity, accessibility, and progress for all.
In my experience with CAMTIC and the reflections inspired by the interview with Betania Allo and Paula Brenes, reinforce the conviction that technological neutrality is essential for the technological development of Latin America. Facing the challenges of 5G and beyond, we must ensure that our public policies and technological strategies are guided by this principle. Only in this way can we ensure that technological advancement benefits everyone equally, building societies that are fairer, more inclusive, and prepared for the future.
