LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) – Bolivia's new government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, has taken significant steps to enhance internet access across the country by issuing a decree that allows global satellite internet companies, including Starlink and Kuiper, to operate within its borders. This move aims to transform the nation's technological landscape and address the incredibly slow connectivity rates that have long plagued Bolivia.
President Paz signed the decree on Tuesday, effectively lifting the restrictions imposed by the previous socialist administration under Luis Arce. During Arce's tenure, SpaceX's request for a license to operate in Bolivia was denied, primarily due to concerns over data protection and national sovereignty.
Historically, Bolivia has struggled to enhance internet access, particularly in remote regions, relying on a satellite purchased from China during the administration of left-wing leader Evo Morales. Acquired in 2013, the Tupac Katari satellite was heralded by Morales as a promise to enlighten the Bolivian populace. However, it failed to deliver substantial improvements in internet speed, as it operates using geostationary technology, which places it approximately 35,000 kilometers (about 21,800 miles) above the Earth. In contrast, Starlink's satellites operate at a much lower orbit of around 550 kilometers (about 340 miles), which facilitates significantly faster data transmission.
A report by Ookla, a connectivity intelligence company, revealed that Bolivia currently holds the dubious distinction of having the slowest internet speeds for both mobile and fixed broadband in South America, lagging behind regional leader Brazil. In light of this pressing issue, President Paz expressed his commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that high-quality connectivity becomes accessible to all Bolivians.
The slow internet connectivity in Bolivia poses challenges for elementary online tasks, like conference calls, and complicates more demanding operations such as cloud computing. In a statement, President Paz noted, “We became spectators while the rest of the world advanced. But that is over. With new technologies, we will be able to make up for lost time.”
Moreover, President Paz revealed that several international companies, including Tesla, Amazon, Tether, and Oracle, have expressed intentions to invest in data centers that Bolivia plans to establish near the cities of El Alto and Cochabamba. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract foreign investment to the nation amid an economic crisis characterized by severe shortages of U.S. dollars.
Earlier this week, President Paz also signed a decree aimed at eliminating fuel subsidies that have been detrimental to public finances and have exacerbated the dollar shortages. The decision triggered protests from labor unions across the nation, reflecting the challenging economic landscape in which his government is operating.
Overall, the recent policy changes signify Bolivia's attempt to modernize its infrastructure and improve its digital capabilities, seeking to integrate itself more fully into the global technological landscape while addressing urgent economic challenges.
