The Bolivian Government has signed a contract with China Great Wall Industries Corporation (Cgwic) to buy a $300m communications satellite.

The satellite, called Tupac Katari, is expected to be operational within the next 36 months.

The Bolivian Government will pay $45m for the satellite and the rest will be financed through a loan from the China Development Bank.

The satellite will bring communications coverage to all of Bolivia, as well as neighbouring countries.