Internet Diffusion
Bolivia has a unique telecommunications infrastructure. All local service is provided by a network of 16 cooperatives. Long-distance service is provided by ENTEL – a single carrier granted a monopoly until 2001. Cellular service is provided by two private carriers. Given this unique infrastructure, Internet service has not risen as quickly as some of Bolivia’s neighboring countries. This may change in 2001 when Bolivia’s telecommunications markets become open to competition.
Currently there are 5 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in Bolivia. These companies are legally restrained, however, from directly providing their own outgoing international connectivity or domestic leased lines. These ISPs claim that this increases their costs, which in turn must be passed on to the end user. In addition, the most local cooperatives have been unable to upgrade their telecommunications systems as required leading to poor and unpredictable service.
