Some Bolivians, frustrated by unreliable internet service provided by the state-run system reliant on the Chinese-built Tupac Katari satellite, have resorted to smuggling Starlink kits into the country despite a government ban implemented in August 2024. Bolivia’s decision to block Starlink from obtaining an operating license has left citizens in rural and underserved areas with limited connectivity options. The Tupac Katari satellite, launched in 2013 with Chinese support, was intended to improve telecommunications across Bolivia, but its performance has not met the expectations of many users, particularly in remote regions.
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, offers high-speed, low-latency internet through a constellation of satellites orbiting closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites. Its portability and reliability have made it an attractive alternative for Bolivians dissatisfied with existing services. However, Bolivia’s regulatory stance has forced individuals to acquire Starlink kits through smuggling networks. Sellers in neighboring countries like Peru and Chile, where Starlink is legally available, facilitate these transactions. Some Bolivians even travel abroad to purchase the equipment and bring it back discreetly.
The smuggling of Starlink kits highlights broader frustrations with Bolivia’s digital infrastructure and the global challenges of regulating satellite internet services. Starlink’s ability to operate without extensive ground infrastructure complicates enforcement efforts in countries where it lacks authorization. This situation mirrors similar issues in other nations where Starlink has faced regulatory hurdles or bans but remains accessible through unofficial channels.