Sign in Subscribe

List of Mobile Operators in Bolivia

Last updated on 


Bolivia, a landlocked country in South America, has a developing telecommunications sector with several mobile operators providing services to its population. These operators offer a range of services, including voice, data, messaging, and more, connecting the people of Bolivia. Here's a detailed discussion of the major mobile operators in Bolivia, their ownership, services, and the state of the telecommunications industry:

  1. Entel (Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones):
    • Ownership: Entel is the state-owned telecommunications company in Bolivia, fully owned by the government. It is one of the major players in the country's telecommunications market.
    • Services: Entel offers a comprehensive set of telecommunications services, including mobile services. Its mobile services include voice, data, messaging, and value-added services. The company has invested in expanding its network infrastructure, including 4G and 4.5G technology.
    • Market Share: Entel is one of the dominant players in the Bolivian mobile telecommunications market.
  2. Tigo Bolivia (Millicom):
    • Ownership: Tigo Bolivia is part of the Millicom group, a multinational telecommunications and media company with operations in various Latin American and African countries.
    • Services: Tigo Bolivia provides mobile services, including voice, data, messaging, and additional services. The company has invested in expanding network infrastructure, including 4G and 4.5G technology.
    • Market Share: Tigo Bolivia is a significant competitor in the Bolivian mobile telecommunications sector, actively challenging Entel.
  3. Viva (NuevaTel):
    • Ownership: Viva, formerly known as NuevaTel, is a privately-owned telecommunications company in Bolivia. It is part of the Bolivia Telecom Group.
    • Services: Viva offers mobile services, including voice, data, messaging, and value-added services. The company has invested in expanding its network infrastructure, including 4G and 4.5G technology.
    • Market Share: Viva is another key player in the Bolivian mobile telecommunications market, actively competing with Entel and Tigo.
  4. Regulatory Framework:
    • The telecommunications industry in Bolivia is regulated by the Autoridad de Regulación y Fiscalización de Telecomunicaciones y Transportes (ATT). The regulatory authority ensures fair competition, consumer protection, and quality of services.
  5. Challenges and Developments:
    • The Bolivian mobile telecommunications sector has faced challenges related to infrastructure development, especially in remote and rural areas. Expanding network coverage and improving connectivity is vital to reaching underserved populations.
    • The demand for high-speed data services and mobile internet is growing, driving the need for infrastructure upgrades and technological advancements.
  6. Future Prospects:
    • The Bolivian telecommunications industry is expected to continue evolving, with a focus on expanding network infrastructure, providing better services, and exploring the potential of advanced technologies.
    • Competition among the major operators, including the state-owned Entel, Tigo Bolivia, and Viva, contributes to innovation, diversity of services, and competitive pricing, benefiting consumers.
    • The government's role in regulating the industry and ensuring a competitive landscape will continue to shape the telecommunications sector in Bolivia.

In summary, mobile operators in Bolivia, including Entel, Tigo Bolivia, and Viva, play a crucial role in providing mobile telecommunications services to the country's population. Entel is the state-owned operator, while Tigo Bolivia and Viva are privately-owned competitors. The competitive environment, coupled with investments in network infrastructure and technology, ensures that consumers have access to modern and reliable mobile services. Expanding network coverage, particularly in underserved areas, is a significant focus for the industry's development.