### Bolivia's Shift Towards Satellite Internet: A New Era for Connectivity - Bolivia's centrist President Rodrigo Paz has signed a decree allowing global satellite internet companies, including Starlink and Kuiper, to operate within the country. This decision marks a significant policy shift from the previous administration, which had imposed restrictions on such companies due to concerns over data protection and national sovereignty [https://apnews.com/article/bolivia-paz-internet-starlink-kuiper-spacex-ecbce966d029117126eaae9ed81d4317]. The new government aims to enhance Bolivia's internet infrastructure and improve notoriously slow connectivity rates [https://broadbandbreakfast.com/bolivia-lifts-restrictions-on-satellite-companies-like-starlink-to-upgrade-internet]. ### Overview of the Policy Change and Its Implications 1. **Decree Signing**: President Rodrigo Paz signed the decree on December 24, 2025, allowing satellite companies to provide services in Bolivia [https://wtop.com/world/2025/12/bolivia-lifts-restrictions-on-satellite-companies-like-starlink-to-upgrade-its-internet-connectivity]. 2. **Previous Restrictions**: The prior socialist administration under Luis Arce had denied licenses to international satellite companies, including SpaceX's Starlink, citing concerns over data sovereignty [https://apnews.com/article/bolivia-paz-internet-starlink-kuiper-spacex-ecbce966d029117126eaae9ed81d4317]. 3. **Goals of the New Government**: The current administration aims to modernize Bolivia's internet technology and improve connectivity speeds, which have been historically slow [https://thenyledger.com/news/bolivia-lifts-restrictions-on-satellite-companies-like-starlink-to-upgrade-its-internet-connectivity]. ### Supporting Evidence for the Policy Shift - **Connectivity Issues**: Bolivia has faced challenges with slow internet speeds, which the government aims to address through the introduction of satellite internet services [https://broadbandbreakfast.com/bolivia-lifts-restrictions-on-satellite-companies-like-starlink-to-upgrade-internet]. - **International Comparisons**: Countries that have embraced satellite internet technology have seen improvements in connectivity and access, suggesting potential benefits for Bolivia [https://wtop.com/world/2025/12/bolivia-lifts-restrictions-on-satellite-companies-like-starlink-to-upgrade-its-internet-connectivity]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move Towards Enhanced Connectivity - **Policy Impact**: The lifting of restrictions on satellite companies is expected to significantly improve internet access in Bolivia, aligning with global trends towards enhanced digital connectivity. - **Future Prospects**: As Bolivia opens its market to companies like Starlink and Kuiper, the nation may experience a transformation in its internet landscape, potentially leading to economic and social benefits. - **Next Steps**: Monitoring the implementation of this decree and its effects on internet speed and accessibility will be crucial for assessing the success of this policy change [https://thelocalreport.in/bolivia-lifts-ban-on-satellite-companies-like-starlink-to-upgrade-its-internet-connectivity].