The board of directors of Radiográfica Costarricense S.A., the government Internet company, has authorized a cut in rates and an increase in the speed of connection, the company said.

The company did not specify the rate cuts, but the cable modem rate for 256 download and 64 kilobits per second upload that is now $25 a month is expected to fall to $17. There will be similar cuts in higher speeds. The company is expected to outline the full rate structure this week as well as new options.

The company known as RACSA is in competition now with its parent, the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, which is supplying high-speed Internet via the company’s telephone lines. The RACSA cable modem rate is only half the monthly cost. Private cable companies also charge a rate that also includes cable television services.