Despite the high demand for better internet, the Bolivian government has imposed a ban on Starlink antennas, forcing residents to seek alternatives to the inadequate services provided by local satellite systems.

Since the ban on Starlink was enacted in August 2024, many Bolivians have resorted to smuggling antennas from neighboring countries like Chile and Peru, where the service is legal.

The existing satellite internet service in Bolivia, Tupac Katari 1, launched in 2014, is criticized for offering the slowest internet speeds in Latin America.

This state-run service relies on the Tupac Katari 1 satellite, which covers only about 10 percent of the national territory, primarily urban areas.

While internet penetration in Bolivia was 59.9% in 2020, it is projected to reach 73.3% by 2022, connectivity remains severely limited, especially in remote regions.

Independent lawmaker Mariela Valdivieso is advocating for the regularization of Starlink, emphasizing that high-speed internet is crucial for the country's development.

Ongoing discussions within the government aim to update regulations that could potentially allow Starlink and similar services to enter the Bolivian market.

The Bolivian government insists on regulating internet providers, with Néstor Ríos Rivero of the ATT emphasizing the need for licenses and compliance with regulatory standards.

As the Tupac Katari 1 satellite nears the end of its operational life around 2028-2030, Bolivia is exploring partnerships with other satellite internet providers like Amazon's Project Kuiper and Canada's Telesat.

Bolivia is grappling with a significant technological challenge, as only 73 percent of its 12 million population has internet access, prompting many to smuggle Starlink kits for improved connectivity.

Ivan Zambrana from the Bolivian Space Agency expressed a desire for SpaceX to enter the market legally to avoid disruption to Bolivia's communication system.

The issue of poor internet connectivity gained further attention when streamer IShowSpeed highlighted Bolivia's challenges during a livestream in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.