[Via Satellite 1-3-2014] Entel, Bolivia’s state-owned telecommunications company, confirmed that on Tuesday Dec. 31, 2013, contact was established with the recently launched Tupac Katari satellite. The satellite is expected to be fully operational in March, according to Evo Morales, president of Bolivia.

The China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), an aerospace company within the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, built the satellite. The spacecraft’s name honors a national leader who staged a rebellion against the Spanish empire in the 18th century.

After the successful launch, China turned control of the satellite over to Bolivia, where ground stations in La Paz and Santa Cruz will operate the spacecraft. The Tupac Katari satellite has an anticipated lifetime of 15 years, and Bolivia expects to save approximate $15 million since it no longer needs to lease capacity from foreign sources.