Agencia Boliviana Espacial

What Agencia Boliviana Espacial does

Agencia Boliviana Espacial (ABE) is the Plurinational State of Bolivia's state-owned strategic national public enterprise (Empresa Pública Nacional Estratégica), established by Supreme Decree in February 2010 and operating under the Ministry of Public Works, Services and Housing (MOPSV). The agency's core asset is the Túpac Katari-1 (TKSAT-1) geostationary communications satellite, launched December 20, 2013, from China's Xichang Space Center on a Long March 3B/E rocket and built on the DFH-4 platform by China Great Wall Industries Corporation. The satellite operates at 87.2° West with 30 transponders across C, Ku FSS, Ku BSS, and Ka frequency bands, with a 15-year design life and 99.99%+ availability, supported by two ground stations at Amachuma (La Paz) and La Guardia (Santa Cruz) covering 4.7 hectares of antenna infrastructure.

ABE's commercial portfolio spans free-to-air satellite television and radio broadcasting (40+ TV channels, 30+ radio stations reaching over 500,000 rural households), satellite internet (residential SUBE plan, unlimited productive/enterprise plans, community WiFi), cellular backhaul for mobile operators (Entel accounting for approximately 45% of leased capacity, other operators 25%), satellite data circuits, virtual network operator (VNO) services, satellite backup, and a growing Earth observation division via the LPAIS laboratory. The LPAIS lab operates the SOTS Bolivia and MAPS ABE platforms, applying machine learning, deep learning, and Google Earth Engine to produce high-resolution satellite imagery analysis (30cm-90cm resolution), digital elevation models, spectral-index time series, and thematic maps for agriculture (EMAPA crop monitoring), environmental management, and disaster response. ABE also delivers 4K HD real-time satellite video for emergency and defense applications.

The business model is built on recurring revenue from satellite capacity leasing (MHz-based bandwidth subscriptions paid monthly in advance), subscription internet plans tiered by speed and contention ratio (entry at Bs 100/month, productive tiers up to Bs 4,955/month at 4,096/768 Kb/s), and project-based Earth observation consulting. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales, regional telecommunications-cooperative channel partners, electrical-appliance retail for consumer TV kits, and the SUBE virtual storefront for self-serve residential internet. ABE holds a 95% market share of Bolivia's satellite services and reaches 100% of national territory, with mobile-network expansion enabled by its backhaul reaching 82% of Bolivia's 20,152 census populations (covering 98% of the population). The agency is regulated by ATT, supervised by Social Control committees, and operates with a Director General Ejecutivo (Iván Zambrana) leading a staff of 101-250 professionals.

Name

Agencia Boliviana Espacial

Legal name

Agencia Boliviana Espacial

Website

https://abe.bo

Company type

Public

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Agencia Boliviana Espacial (ABE) is Bolivia's state-owned strategic public enterprise operating the Túpac Katari-1 geostationary satellite, providing nationwide satellite TV, internet, cellular backhaul, and Earth observation services to telecom operators, broadcasters, government, and rural communities across Bolivia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite Communications Services

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Television Broadcasting Stations (51612)

SIC

Radiotelephone Communications (4812), Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYHDAIAJAI

Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services)

Hardware, Technology & Telecom/Telecommunications & Network Services/Satellite & Non-Terrestrial Network Services (GEO/MEO/LEO)

Keywords

• Satellite communications
• Satellite internet services
• Earth observation
• Satellite broadcasting
• Satellite capacity leasing

Headquarters

HQ city

La Paz

HQ country

Bolivia

HQ region

Latin America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Satellite Capacity Leasing: ABE leases satellite bandwidth capacity (in MHz or fractions) to telecommunications operators, mobile carriers, TV/radio broadcasters, government institutions, and enterprises. This is the primary revenue stream with availability above 99.99%. Clients contract specific bandwidth and pay monthly in advance. Entel accounts for approximately 45% of satellite capacity, other telecom operators 25%.
2. Satellite Internet Services: Direct provision of satellite internet to end consumers (rural households, communities) and enterprises. Plans range from basic family internet to unlimited productive internet. Revenue is recurring monthly based on speed tiers and contention ratios. Terminal equipment provided on loan with service contracts.
3. Satellite Television and Radio Broadcasting: Free-to-air satellite TV and radio signals broadcast nationally. Revenue is generated through capacity contracts with broadcasters rather than direct consumer subscription. Provides over 40 TV channels and 30 radio stations via the Túpac Katari satellite.
4. Earth Observation and Remote Sensing Services: Sale of high-resolution satellite images, temporal analysis of spectral indices (NDVI, NDWI, NDTI, NDMI), digital elevation models, thematic mapping, crop monitoring, mineral prospection, and consulting services through the LPAIS laboratory.
5. Space Segment Services: Relay services via Túpac Katari satellite for clients with terrestrial transmission/reception stations. Used for all communications services including telephony, internet, data transmission, radio, and television. Also available for live sports event broadcasts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ABE operates Bolivia's national satellite communications infrastructure centered on the Túpac Katari-1 geostationary satellite, offering free satellite TV and radio broadcasting, satellite internet for enterprises and households, cellular backhaul, data circuits, virtual network operator services, community WiFi, backup connectivity, and space segment capacity leasing. It also provides earth observation services through the LPAIS laboratory and SOTS Bolivia and MAPS ABE platforms, delivering satellite imagery analysis, spectral index computation, terrain mapping, and disaster monitoring for government, agriculture, mining, and conservation clients.

Product overview

Agencia Boliviana Espacial (ABE) operates as a national strategic public enterprise managing Bolivia's satellite communications infrastructure. The portfolio centers on the Túpac Katari-1 telecommunications satellite (launched December 2013) providing nationwide coverage across C, Ku, Ka, and C bands. The core offerings include free satellite TV/radio broadcasting (Televisión Satelital), unlimited satellite internet for enterprises (Internet Satelital Productivo), residential satellite internet (SUBE), cellular backhaul, virtual network operator services, community WiFi, satellite backup, data circuits, and space segment capacity leasing. A complementary earth observation division (LPAIS) provides satellite imagery analysis, machine learning-based monitoring platforms (SOTS Bolivia, MAPS ABE), and remote sensing services for agricultural, environmental, and disaster management applications. The company serves government institutions, telecommunications operators, broadcasters, enterprises, and rural communities across Bolivia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LPAIS: Laboratorio de Procesamiento y Análisis de Imágenes Satelitales (Laboratory for Processing and Analysis of Satellite Images) - Earth observation laboratory providing satellite image analysis and geospatial solutions.
• SOTS Bolivia
• SUBE

Products and services

• Televisión Satelital (Satellite TV) Free digital satellite TV and radio service delivered via the Túpac Katari satellite, offering over 30 radio stations and 40 TV channels accessible nationwide. Customers purchase a satellite kit (antenna, LNB, and receiver) for approximately Bs 400 with no monthly subscription. Aimed at rural and underserved Bolivian households lacking terrestrial broadcasting.
• Internet Satelital Ilimitado (Productive Unlimited Satellite Internet) Unlimited satellite internet service for enterprises and productive use via the Túpac Katari satellite, available nationwide where no other operator reaches. Features no data volume limits with flexible speed and contention ratio plans (1024/256 Kb/s to 4096/768 Kb/s at Bs 1,510 to Bs 4,955 monthly). Targets businesses, government entities, and organizations requiring reliable connectivity regardless of geography.
• Internet Satelital Familiar / SUBE (Residential Satellite Internet) Residential satellite internet service targeting households in rural areas without telecommunications access, providing connectivity through the Túpac Katari satellite. Plans start from Bs 100/month with limited daytime data and unlimited night usage. Sold via the SUBE online store (sube.abe.bo) and regional telecom cooperatives.
• Circuitos de Datos (Data Circuits) Satellite-based digital data connections for networked systems (computer networks, industrial device networks), enabling connectivity between central offices and remote locations regardless of geographic obstacles. Targeted at enterprises and government institutions with dispersed sites.
• Difusión de Televisión y Radio (TV and Radio Broadcasting Distribution) Digital broadcasting service allowing TV and radio stations to upload signals to the Túpac Katari satellite for nationwide coverage, reaching over 500,000 rural households. Over 40 TV channels and 30 radio stations use the service for national distribution.
• Operador de Red Virtual (VNO) - Virtual Network Operator Service Virtual Network Operator service enabling clients to implement satellite communication networks without investing in their own infrastructure, using ABE's facilities and Túpac Katari satellite bandwidth. Targeted at telecom operators and enterprises seeking private network capabilities.
• WiFi Comunitario (Community WiFi) Community WiFi zones implemented via satellite in populations without telecommunications access, allowing computers, tablets, and smartphones to connect to the internet. Tiered plans from 1.0 Mbps (Bs 330/month) to 3.5 Mbps (Bs 740/month) with solar panel installation available.
• Backup Satelital (Satellite Backup) Satellite backup solution for network redundancy and service continuity, offering flexible bandwidth allocation and immediate implementation for critical link backup. Targeted at enterprises and telecom operators needing high-availability redundancy.
• Backhaul Celular (Cellular Backhaul) Cellular backhaul service for mobile network operators connecting base stations in remote sites using Túpac Katari satellite capacity. Enables mobile coverage expansion to rural areas, with Entel accounting for approximately 45% of this capacity.
• Segmento Espacial Satelital (Space Segment Services) Space segment services providing satellite retransmission capacity on Túpac Katari for clients with terrestrial stations, offering Ku, Ka, and C band capacity with ultra-high availability exceeding 99.99%. Used for telephony, internet, data transmission, radio, television, and live event broadcasts.
• LPAIS - Laboratorio de Procesamiento y Análisis de Imágenes Satelitales (Satellite Image Processing and Analysis Laboratory) Earth observation laboratory providing satellite image analysis, high-resolution imagery sales, spectral index analysis (NDVI, NDWI, NDTI, NDMI), digital elevation model generation, and machine learning-based object detection for environmental, agricultural, and territorial monitoring applications. Operates with a minimum of 8 professionals plus project-based staff.
• SOTS Bolivia (Sistema de Observación Terrestre por Satélite) Platform Web platform for satellite earth observation providing environmental monitoring, natural resource management (water, soil, forests), disaster response support, land use planning, and academic research tools. Awarded INNOVATIC 2020 in the e-government category. Available for government, researchers, and the public.
• MAPS ABE Platform Platform for visualization of satellite data including slow ground movement maps, water body detection via radar imagery, and Túpac Katari satellite information. Supports environmental and territorial monitoring applications.
• Teledetección / Observación de la Tierra (Remote Sensing / Earth Observation) Remote sensing and earth observation services including agricultural monitoring, forest and vegetation monitoring, land use and land cover studies, urban and regional cartography, water resource monitoring, and natural disaster monitoring (floods, fires, droughts, landslides). Suitable for agriculture, government, mining, and environmental clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% of satellite services in Bolivia are provided by Túpac Katari
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (RCSSTEAP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026RCSSTEAP is a UN-associated center that coordinates the MASTA scholarship program offering 3 annual Master's scholarships in Space Technology for Bolivian professionals at Chinese universities (Beihang). ABE is a member of RCSSTEAP and coordinates scholarship opportunities in satellite applications, Earth observation, GNSS, Space Project Management, and Micro-satellite Technology. Application deadline February 8, 2026 for the 2026 academic year.
• Tecnonautas / EnergeacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2024Partnership for the annual National Stratospheric Balloon Experiment Competition targeting university students. Tecnonautas is the academic arm of Energea, a company dedicated to sustainable technologies. ABE provides the Amachuma ground station for launches. Supported by Panamerican Development Foundation and Boeing. Fourth edition in 2024, with previous balloons reaching up to 46 km altitude with 15 experiments from 32 university teams.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) - BoliviaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 February 2024WCS-Bolivia cooperates with SERNAP (National Protected Areas Service) to fund satellite internet service for 12 park ranger camps in northern Bolivia's protected areas. WCS covers the monthly service costs (Bs 298 per connection) for camps in ANMIN Apolobamba, Madidi, Pilon Lajas, Cotapata, and Beni Biological Station. ABE provides the satellite service and trains rangers to operate VSAT terminals.
• Comité Ejecutivo de la Universidad Boliviana (CEUB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 October 2023Framework cooperation agreement signed October 26, 2023, to establish collaboration in the Bolivian university system. Focuses on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), joint planning of training programs, courses, workshops, and seminars in satellite telecommunications, electronics, and space projects. Benefits the entire Bolivian university community.
• China Great Wall Industries Corporation (CGWIC)coreTechnology or Integration · 13 December 2010CGWIC is the Chinese aerospace corporation that signed the commercial contract on December 13, 2010, for the construction, acquisition, and launch of the Túpac Katari satellite. CGWIC served as the technology partner providing the satellite platform (DFH-4), launch services (Long March 3BE rocket), and technology transfer for Bolivia's space program. This is ABE's foundational strategic partnership enabling the national satellite program.
• Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement for institutional collaboration in research projects, training programs, information exchange, and university internship opportunities. Part of ABE's human resource development and technology transfer mandate.
• Universidad Católica Boliviana (UCB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement for institutional collaboration in research projects, training programs, information exchange, and university internship opportunities. Part of ABE's human resource development and technology transfer mandate.
• Escuela Militar de Ingeniería (EMI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement for institutional collaboration in research projects, training programs, information exchange, and university internship opportunities. Part of ABE's human resource development and technology transfer mandate.
• Panamerican Development Foundation (PADF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the National Stratospheric Balloon Experiment Competition, supporting STEM education initiatives alongside Tecnonautas and ABE. Provides certificates for winning team members.
• BoeingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the National Stratospheric Balloon Experiment Competition, supporting STEM education initiatives alongside Tecnonautas and ABE.
• China Scholarship Council (CSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChinese government scholarship program providing full scholarships for the MASTA Master's program in Space Technology. Coordinates with RCSSTEAP and ABE to offer 3 annual scholarships for Bolivian professionals in the 2026 academic year.
• Roscosmos (Russian State Space Corporation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRussian state space corporation whose cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and researcher Anastasia Stepanova visited Bolivia in July 2024. Visit organized by Bolivian ex-scholars in Russia through the Unity Foundation, which promotes space education and supports children with cancer. ABE hosted the public event at Cinemateca Boliviana attended by 150 people, mostly students.
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerU.S. space agency referenced for educational resources for students on ABE's student portal and as a media kit resource. NASA imagery and data used in earth observation applications.
• ESA (European Space Agency)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Space Agency referenced for educational resources for students and as a media kit resource. ESA provides technical standards and data formats used in satellite communications.
• CONAE (Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales - Argentina)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArgentine National Commission for Space Activities referenced for educational resources for students on ABE's portal. Represents regional South American space cooperation.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Peers

• Hispasat:

Direct peers

• ARSAT: Argentina's state-owned telecommunications satellite operator (ARSAT-1, ARSAT-2), part of the Argentine Ministry of Communications. Directly comparable as a national strategic public enterprise running a geostationary satellite to provide TV distribution, internet, backhaul, and earth observation across Argentina.
• Star One (Embratel): Brazil's leading satellite operator (Star One D1/D2, Brasilsat series), owned by Embratel/Claro, providing communications, broadcasting, and broadband across South America. Comparable product mix to ABE in capacity leasing, TV distribution, and enterprise VSAT across the region.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat8 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/abebolivia
• Facebookfacebook.com/AGENCIABOLIVIANAESPACIAL
• Instagraminstagram.com/agenciabolivianaespacial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/agencia-boliviana-espacial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Agencia Boliviana Espacial