Entel Bolivia shuts down 3G in La Paz to expand 4G

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Operators; 28 October 2026; 359 views

Bolivian state-owned operator Entel has begun shutting down its 3G network in the administrative capital of La Paz, reallocating spectrum in the 850 MHz band to strengthen 4G services.

The shutdown began on October 22 as part of a wider network modernisation programme aimed at improving spectrum efficiency, increasing capacity and enhancing mobile connectivity, according to the country's Ministry of Public Works, Services and Housing.

Entel has urged customers with phones that only support 3G to upgrade to devices compatible with 4G/LTE or newer technologies to maintain access to mobile services.

Entel manager Jorge Francisco Del Solar said the operator was seeking to build a more efficient network with greater capacity to meet demand, while encouraging wider adoption of 5G.

The process involves spectrum refarming, which reallocates frequencies used by older mobile technologies to newer networks. In La Paz, Entel is moving away from 3G on the 850 MHz band to strengthen its LTE network.

The shutdown currently applies only to La Paz. Entel has not announced a timeline for extending the changes to other departments or disclosed how many customers will need to replace their devices.

The move follows a wider industry shift away from legacy mobile networks as operators redirect spectrum and investment towards 4G and 5G. DPL News reported on the shutdown as Entel seeks to improve capacity and prepare its network for growing data demand.