Mesh Networks In Bolivia: Can They Work?

Bolivia has a number of mobile network operators, including Entel, Viva, and Tigo, which provide 3G and 4G/LTE coverage in the country. In November 2023, Entel was ranked first for coverage experience by Opensignal, an independent global standard for analyzing consumers' connectivity experiences.

For those who need to stay connected while travelling in Bolivia, options such as MIOWIFI and Skyroam provide wireless hotspot devices with unlimited internet access. Additionally, most hotels in Bolivia provide internet access, although the quality may vary and may come at an additional cost. It is also recommended to keep your smartphone on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges and only enable WiFi when needed.

Mobile network coverage in Bolivia

Bolivia has several mobile network operators, including Entel, Viva, and Tigo, which provide 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage across the country. However, the availability and quality of mobile network coverage can vary depending on location and service provider.

Coverage Experience

Entel, one of the leading mobile network operators in Bolivia, offers the best coverage experience in the country. According to Opensignal's Coverage Experience award, Entel scored 8.6 out of 10 points, indicating that its users can expect reliable coverage in the places they live, work, and travel. Tigo, the runner-up, scored 4.1 points, while Viva followed with 2 points.

Network Speeds

When it comes to network speeds, Viva offers the fastest average upload speeds in Bolivia, reaching 7.7 Mbps. Tigo and Entel are close contenders, with upload speeds of 6.6 Mbps and 5.5 Mbps, respectively. In terms of download speeds, Tigo and Entel are neck-and-neck, offering speeds between 12.6 and 12.7 Mbps. Viva falls slightly behind in this category.

Video Streaming

For on-demand and live video streaming, Tigo and Viva share the top spot. They provide a seamless experience for users, allowing them to stream videos without buffering or interruptions.

Consistent Quality

While Entel excels in coverage, Tigo takes the lead when it comes to consistent quality. Tigo's network is more consistent in supporting common mobile application requirements, ensuring users can perform various demanding tasks on their devices without issues.

International Calling

If you're visiting Bolivia and need to make international calls, it is recommended to use internet-based phone services such as Skype or WhatsApp. The mobile network coverage in remote areas like Uyuni and the Amazon can be unreliable for international calls. Additionally, purchasing a local SIM card in Bolivia may be cumbersome due to long waits, language barriers, and local ID requirements.

In summary, while Bolivia has multiple mobile network operators providing varying levels of coverage and speeds, Entel, Tigo, and Viva are the top contenders, each offering unique advantages in terms of coverage, speed, and consistency.

Internet access in Bolivia

Bolivia, officially The Republic of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, and Chile and Peru to the west. Bolivia has a population of 11,379,861 and an area of 1,098,581 square kilometres, resulting in a population density of 11 persons per square kilometre.

Although Bolivia has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, its GDP remains among the lowest in South America. Many areas outside the main cities are poor and undeveloped, and a significant portion of the population lives in remote valleys and areas where telecom infrastructure has been chronically neglected. As a result, the penetration of telecom services is low.

According to a November 2023 report by Opensignal, Entel, Viva, and Tigo are the three main mobile network operators in Bolivia. Entel is the first Bolivian operator to win Opensignal's Coverage Experience award, which measures the extent of mobile networks in the places people live, work, and travel. Tigo, on the other hand, won the Consistent Quality award, which assesses whether the network can support common mobile application requirements. Viva maintained its first-place position for Upload Speed Experience, with an average speed of 7.7 Mbps.

In terms of broadband internet, Bolivia's largest telecom cooperative, Cooperativa de Telefonos Automaticos La Paz (COTEL), has upgraded its network infrastructure in the country's capital, La Paz. This upgrade will enable COTEL to expand its services to include IP telephony, data transmission, and on-demand video services. However, the broadband market in Bolivia is currently dominated by Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (Entel), which claims 90.28% market share.

WiFi in Bolivia: Speeds and Performance

Internet access in Bolivia has been described as among the worst in Latin America, with high prices making home connections unaffordable for many. In 2014, only 5.4% of Bolivian homes had internet access, compared to a South American average of 42%. However, the situation has improved in recent years, with the latest figures showing that in 2021, the median download speed of fixed internet connections in Bolivia was 23.66 Mbps, while mobile connections were slower at 15.91 Mbps.

Mobile Network Experience

A November 2023 report by Opensignal, an independent global standard for analysing consumers' connectivity experiences, found that Entel users had the best coverage experience in Bolivia, with a score of 8.6 out of 10. Tigo was the runner-up with a score of 4.1, while Viva trailed with a score of 2. In terms of consistent quality, Tigo won outright with a score of 51.8%, followed by Viva (40.9%) and Entel (35.7%). For upload speed experience, Viva came out on top with an average speed of 7.7 Mbps, followed by Tigo (6.6 Mbps) and Entel (5.5 Mbps). For download speed experience, Entel and Tigo shared the top spot with average speeds of 12.6-12.7 Mbps, while Viva was last with 10.4 Mbps.

Internet Access in Hotels and Remote Areas

Most hotels in Bolivia provide internet access, sometimes at a cost, but it is not reliable in all locations. Remote areas such as Uyuni and the Amazon have particularly unreliable WiFi and international calling capabilities. For heavy internet users, a wireless hotspot device such as Skyroam or GlocalMe may be the best option for connecting to the internet in Bolivia.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

There are several ISPs operating in Bolivia, including Entel, Tigo, Viva, AXS, and Vuela. However, there are no regulations governing minimum connection speeds, so advertised speeds may not always be accurate. Additionally, some ISPs may have limited coverage in certain areas. As of 2017, ENTEL has introduced fiber optic internet in all major cities and some smaller ones, offering faster and more reliable connections.

WiFi in Bolivia: Devices and Compatibility

WiFi Availability in Bolivia

Bolivia has made significant progress in terms of WiFi availability in recent years. Many hotels, cafes, and restaurants in the country offer free WiFi, and there are also many public WiFi hotspots available.

Devices for WiFi Access in Bolivia

For travellers looking to stay connected while exploring Bolivia's diverse landscapes and cultural attractions, there are several options available:

• Smartphones: It is recommended to keep your smartphone on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges and simply enable WiFi to access the internet.
• WiFi Finder Apps: Apps like WiFi Map and WiFi Near Me can help locate public WiFi hotspots in Bolivia.
• Pocket WiFi Devices: My Webspot offers a pocket WiFi device with unlimited internet access and a battery life of 8 hours. It can be booked online and supports up to 5 devices.
• Wireless Hotspot Devices: Devices like Skyroam and GlocalMe provide wireless hotspot services and are suitable for heavy internet users.

Compatibility of WiFi Devices in Bolivia

When it comes to the compatibility of WiFi devices in Bolivia, it is important to note that:

• Bolivia "rents" its fiber optics from neighbouring countries like Chile and Brazil, which can impact the speed and reliability of internet services.
• Some areas in Bolivia, such as Uyuni and the Amazon, are remote and may have limited or unreliable WiFi access.
• Different internet service providers in Bolivia, such as COTAS, ENTEL, and AXS, use the same fiber optic cables, so a disruption in one network can affect multiple providers.
• WiFi availability may vary depending on the specific location within Bolivia, with urban areas like La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz likely having better coverage than remote regions.

In summary, while Bolivia has made strides in improving internet access, travellers should be prepared for potential limitations and consider multiple options for staying connected, especially when visiting remote areas.

WiFi in Bolivia: Cost and Affordability

Bolivia is a great place to disconnect and relax, with its towering mountains, stunning salt flats, tropical rainforests, and tranquil colonial towns. However, for those who need to stay connected, here is some information about the cost and affordability of WiFi in Bolivia.

Cost of WiFi in Bolivia

Bolivia has the most expensive internet service in Latin America. Internet service providers in Bolivia, including the local phone companies, charge prices that are roughly eight to ten times higher than in the United States. This is because Bolivia has to pay Chile and Brazil for the use of their fiber optic cables. As a result, the cost of WiFi in Bolivia can be quite high, especially in remote areas such as Uyuni and the Amazon, where WiFi access cannot be relied on.

Alternatives to WiFi in Bolivia

For those who need internet access in Bolivia, there are a few alternatives to relying on unstable WiFi connections. One option is to use a wireless hotspot device such as Skyroam or GlocalMe. These devices provide a mobile internet connection and can be a good option for heavy internet users. Another option is to use an eSIM card, which offers a reasonable price and additional benefits such as free and instant delivery. International roaming services are also available, but they are known for their high rates and are not recommended.

Affordability of WiFi in Bolivia

While the cost of internet service in Bolivia may be high compared to other countries, it is important to consider the affordability for locals. Bolivia is the second poorest country in Latin America, and for many Bolivians, the cost of internet service may be out of reach. This can create a digital divide, with those who can afford internet access having access to information and opportunities that are not available to those who cannot.

Tips for Staying Connected in Bolivia

• Most hotels in Bolivia provide internet access, but it may be at an additional cost.
• International telephone calls can be expensive, but internet-based phone services such as Skype or WhatsApp can provide better rates.
• If you bring your smartphone to Bolivia, remember to leave it on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges. Enable WiFi to access the internet.
• Buying a local cell phone or SIM card in Bolivia is not recommended due to long waits, language barriers, and the requirement for local ID.
• Consider getting a plan with your carrier in your home country that allows for emergency calls and text messages while travelling.

Frequently asked questions