Leslie Massey
Belize has decent internet coverage, though it is relatively slow and expensive compared to North America. The country has many internet service providers, including DigiCell, BTL, and Smart, which offer various services and plans. Internet access is widely available in Belize, with top resorts, restaurants, lodges, and hotels offering high-speed wireless internet for customers. Wireless internet is also accessible in the form of Wi-Fi hotspots in various locations, including hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops. Belize has also recently introduced fiber optics, improving internet speeds in certain areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Internet availability | Widely available throughout Belize |
| Internet cost | Affordable, but a little overpriced |
| Internet speed | Slowest in the Caribbean, but improving |
| Internet stability | Depends on the weather; can be interrupted by wind and rain |
| Internet providers | Belize Telemedia Ltd, Smart, DigiCell, Centaur Cable, Beeline, CBC, NetKing |
| Internet types | Satellite, DSL, cable, fibre optics, 4G LTE |
| Wi-Fi availability | Widely available in tourist hotspots |
What You'll Learn
Internet access in Belize
Belize has decent internet coverage, though it is relatively slow and expensive. However, internet access is widely available throughout the country, and prices have become more affordable in recent years.
Internet Service Providers
Belize has several internet service providers offering different types of connections. These include satellite providers, DSL, cable, and fiber optics. Satellite internet is an excellent choice for people in rural areas and the cayes (islands) as it does not require a physical ground connection. However, it can be expensive, with prices ranging from $120 a month for unlimited use with speeds of about 2 Mbps up to 25 Mbps down.
Other internet service providers in Belize include DigiCell, BTL, and Smart, which offer monthly subscriptions and prepaid cards that work across the country. BTL, the national telephone company, offers high-speed broadband internet via DSL cable in select locations, with prices starting at $19.50 per month. DigiCell and Smart also provide wireless internet, including prepaid bundles and monthly subscriptions for mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Connections
Wi-Fi is widely accessible in Belize, with many top resorts, restaurants, lodges, and hotels offering free or paid high-speed wireless internet for customers. Mobile service providers also offer internet connections for smartphones, and small hotspot devices called Mi-Fi that provide a Wi-Fi signal to any Wi-Fi-enabled device. These devices are commonly used in rural areas with cell phone signals but no DSL or cable access.
Reliability and Stability
The reliability and stability of the internet in Belize can be affected by the weather. Heavy rains, thunder, and wind can cause the internet to slow down or go off completely. However, when the weather is good, the internet is generally stable and performs well.
Cost
The cost of internet access in Belize varies depending on the provider and the type of connection. While some sources claim that the internet in Belize is expensive, others state that prices have become more affordable in recent years. Prepaid mobile plans are a popular choice, with heavy data usage costing around $80 per month. Unlimited internet plans start at $27.50 per month in select locations, while broadband internet with speeds of 4 Mbps can cost around $150 BZD per month.
While internet access in Belize has improved in recent years, with better speeds and lower prices, there is still room for development in terms of reliability and stability. However, with the increasing availability of Wi-Fi hotspots and the option of choosing from various service providers, staying connected in Belize is more accessible and affordable than ever before.
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Internet speeds in Belize
Most restaurants and bars will have speeds of 5-15 Mbps, while hotels and businesses will have speeds of 30 Mbps or more. The DigiNet Boost Plan offers 20 Mbps for $49, 40 Mbps for $79, 80 Mbps for $119, and 150 Mbps for $199. Digi delivered the fastest median download speed at 17.50 Mbps. The national telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited, offers high-speed broadband internet via DSL cable in select locations starting at 39 Belizean dollars (US$19.50) per month.
However, Belize has the second slowest internet in the Caribbean. Unless you live in an area with fibre optics, the fastest internet speed you can get is 16 Mbps, which recently dropped in price from BZD700 to 400 per month.
Belize has several internet service providers offering different types of connections, including satellite, DSL, cable, and fibre optics. Wireless internet is also available from DigiCell and Smart, including prepaid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers.
Overall, while internet speeds in Belize have improved, there are still some areas with less consistent connections, particularly in small towns and remote places.
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Internet stability in Belize
Belize has decent internet coverage, though it is slow and expensive compared to North America. The country's internet stability has improved over the years, but it is still affected by weather conditions such as heavy rains and wind.
Internet Service Providers
Belize has several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offering different types of connections, including satellite, DSL, cable, and fiber optics. The national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), provides phone, landline, and internet services to a majority of the country. However, some users have reported issues with BTL's service and high prices.
Other ISPs in Belize include DigiCell, Smart, and Claro. DigiCell and Smart offer wireless internet, including prepaid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers. They also provide "combo" plans with unlimited text messages, internet data usage, and voice call minutes. Satellite internet is another option, primarily serving rural areas, though it tends to be more expensive.
Internet Speeds
Belize has the second slowest internet speed in the Caribbean. The fastest internet speed available in most areas is 16Mbps, which recently dropped in price from BZD 700 to 400 per month. However, some areas with fiber optic connections may have faster speeds.
Weather Impact
The reliability and stability of the internet in Belize are closely linked to weather conditions. Heavy rains, thunderstorms, and wind can cause the internet to slow down or go off completely. When the weather is favourable, the internet is generally stable, and users experience good performance and speed.
Power Outages
Belize also faces power outages in certain areas, which can disrupt the internet connection as many setups rely on wireless radio connections. These power outages can cause the internet to go down for a few hours at a time.
Overall Improvements
Despite these challenges, the internet in Belize is improving. It is more widely available and affordable than in previous years, and most young people have smartphones and access to social media platforms. The country is working to upgrade its services and increase internet speeds.
In summary, while internet stability in Belize has room for improvement, it is possible to stay connected, especially with the availability of Wi-Fi hotspots and the growing number of options for internet service providers.
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Internet providers in Belize
Internet access in Belize has improved significantly in recent years. It was once an expensive service limited to urban areas, but now it is widely available throughout the country at affordable prices. Belize has several internet service providers (ISPs) offering different types of connections, including satellite, DSL, cable, and fibre optics.
Internet Service Providers in Belize
One of the most popular ISPs in Belize is DigiCell, which offers both DSL and wireless internet services. Their plans include unlimited internet starting at 55 Belizean dollars (around $27.50 USD) per month in select locations. They also offer "combo" plans that include unlimited text messages, internet data usage, and minutes for voice calls.
Another major ISP in Belize is Smart, which provides similar services to DigiCell, including wireless internet and prepaid bundles. They also offer plans with unlimited internet starting at competitive prices.
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is the national telephone company and was once the only telecommunications company in the country, resulting in good coverage but poor service and high costs. However, they have improved their services and now offer high-speed broadband internet via DSL cable, starting at 39 Belizean dollars (around $19.50 USD) per month. BTL also provides fibre optic internet services with speeds of up to 200 Mbps.
Other ISPs in Belize include Alternative Networks Ltd, Central TV and Internet Limited, PrimeTel Services Inc., Southern Cable Network, and Speednet Communications Limited.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is an option for those residing in rural areas of Belize, as it does not require a physical ground connection. While it can be expensive, it provides reliable internet access to individuals living in remote locations. Some of the satellite internet providers in Belize include Hughes, Dish Networks, and Viasat.
Wi-Fi and Internet Cafes
Wi-Fi is also easily accessible in Belize, especially in tourist areas and locations frequented by travellers, such as hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops. These hotspots often have QR codes displayed for easy connection. Internet cafes can also be found in almost all Belizean cities, providing internet access to those without personal devices.
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Internet costs in Belize
The cost of the internet in Belize is considered expensive, with prices depending on the speed. The cheapest speed is 156k and costs about $12.50 per month, while the highest speed of 16 G costs around $300 per month. A standard DSL connection with 1 Mbps of bandwidth is approximately $60 per month, and the price decreases with slower speeds. Most expats use around 4 MB speed, which costs about $150 per month.
BTL's prices for internet plans range from $12.50 for 256k speed up to $350 for 16 MB speed. Their plans vary in cost, starting from $90 to $850 per month, depending on the speed desired. Installation costs can be expected to be around $200.
Smart, the other cell phone provider in Belize, offers internet plans starting at just $19.50 per month for high-speed broadband internet via DSL cable in select locations. Both DigiCell and Smart offer wireless internet with prepaid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for cell phones, tablets, and personal computers. They also provide "combo" plans that include unlimited text messages, internet data usage, and minutes for voice calls.
Satellite internet is another option available in Belize, particularly for those in rural areas. This type of internet access is relatively cheap, costing about $120 per month for unlimited use, with speeds of 2 Mbps up and 25 Mbps down. Hughes and Dish Networks are the preferred providers for satellite internet in Belize.
Overall, while Belize has many internet service providers with different plans and options, the cost of the internet is generally considered expensive, with prices varying based on speed and provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Internet access in Belize is widely available and affordable. You can access the internet via Wi-Fi in most hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you don't have a smartphone or laptop, you can also access the web in an internet cafe, which can be found in almost all Belizean cities.
Residents in Belize can access the internet via monthly subscriptions or affordable prepaid cards from DigiCell, BTL, and Smart. These providers offer wireless internet and DSL cable connections.
The quality of the internet in Belize can be inconsistent and is dependent on the weather. Heavy rain and wind can cause the internet to slow down or go off. However, the internet is adequate for general online activities and is stable when the weather is good.
The cost of the internet in Belize is considered to be slightly expensive. Basic unlimited internet plans start at around $20 USD per month, while higher-speed plans can range from $50 to over $100 USD per month.
