Bolivia to Conduct First Analog TV Blackout Simulation This Sunday

First Analog Blackout Simulation Scheduled

The Autoridad de Regulación y Fiscalización de Telecomunicaciones y Transportes (ATT) in Bolivia has announced that the country will experience its first analog television blackout simulation this Sunday, November 30, 2025. The planned interruption will last for two hours, from 10:00 to 12:00, and is a crucial step in the nation's transition to Digital Terrestrial Television (TDT).

During this period, television channels still broadcasting in analog will temporarily cease their regular programming to display an informative message regarding the simulation. Meanwhile, digital television signals will remain fully operational.

Purpose and Affected Areas

The primary objective of this simulation is to evaluate Bolivia's technical and social preparedness for the definitive analog switch-off. It will help verify the stability of the digital signal, gauge public understanding of the transition process, and strengthen operational coordination with television operators.

The blackout will specifically impact the major cities of the 'eje troncal' (trunk axis): La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. Additionally, surrounding municipalities such as Viacha, Vinto, Warnes, and El Torno will also be affected.

Carlos Agreda Lema, Executive Director of the ATT, stated that these simulations are vital to 'monitor how the population is receiving information regarding the analog blackout' and to 'identify how many analog televisions still exist in the country and how many have already incorporated into the digital regime'. Households still relying exclusively on analog signals will experience a temporary interruption, highlighting the need for conversion.

Transition to Digital Terrestrial Television

The move to TDT promises several benefits, including improved image and sound quality, greater channel variety, reduced interference, and more efficient use of the radio spectrum. The ATT has emphasized that open and free digital television will continue to be available. For those with analog televisions, it is not necessary to purchase new sets; instead, low-cost decoders can be acquired to convert analog signals to digital.

This Sunday's event is the first of three planned simulations. The subsequent tests are scheduled for February 28, 2026, lasting four hours, and April 30, 2026, extending to six hours.

Phased Analog Switch-Off Schedule

Bolivia's definitive analog switch-off will occur in a phased approach:

• Phase 1 (May 2026): The analog blackout will commence in the 'eje troncal' cities of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz, along with Viacha, Vinto, Warnes, and El Torno.
• Phase 2 (May 2028): This phase will extend to other departmental capitals and cities with populations exceeding 40,000, including Cobija, Montero, Oruro, Potosí, Sucre, Tarija, and Trinidad.
• Phase 3 (May 2030): The final phase will encompass the rest of the national territory, including rural areas.

The ATT is committed to continuously informing the public and ensuring an orderly, inclusive, and beneficial transition for all Bolivian families.