Setting Up Digicel 4G In Belize: A Step-By-Step Guide

Belize's top cellular service provider, Digicell, offers 4G LTE network services provided by Huawei infrastructure. The company released a video on its Facebook page explaining how to set up your device for Digicell 4G services. To set up your device, you will need to set the Access Point Network (APN) to 'data' using the AT+CGDCONT AT command. Additionally, Digicell offers both Pre-Paid and Post-Paid plans, with the latter being attractive to business people, Belizeans, or expatriates as the cell number is permanent. In 2016, Digicell began offering 4G cellphones and devices at discounted prices, and as of 2023, they offer eSIMs to their customers.

Setting the Access Point Network (APN) to 'data'

To set up your device for Digicell 4G services in Belize, you need to configure your Access Point Name (APN) settings. The APN defines the network path for all cellular data connectivity, and each mobile device must be configured with an APN to present to the carrier.

The Access Point Network (APN) for Digicell Belize is 'data'. To set the APN, you will need to use the AT+CGDCONT AT command. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Connect your mobile device to the AT Command Tester tool.
• Select a PDP profile on your device.
• Set the APN by sending the following AT Command to your mobile device:

  AT+CGDCONT= 1,"IP","data","0.0.0.0",0,0

By following these steps, you will be able to set the APN to 'data' for Digicell Belize. Please note that incorrect APN settings may result in loss of cellular data connectivity and additional charges. It is recommended to verify the correct APN settings with your carrier before making any changes.

Additionally, it is worth noting that APN settings usually include several specific configuration nodes, such as APN type, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), proxy settings, and more. These settings may vary depending on your device and carrier, so it is important to refer to the specific instructions provided by Digicell Belize for their 4G services.

Digi's eSIM activation process

Digicel eSIM Activation Process

To activate your Digicel eSIM, you must first ensure that your device is eSIM-compatible. While most newer phones, tablets, and computers are already eSIM-compatible, you can check your device's compatibility by going to your Settings and selecting Connections, followed by SIM Manager. If "Add mobile plan" is not listed, your device cannot activate an eSIM.

Once you have confirmed compatibility, follow these steps:

• Obtain a new eSIM from a Digicel store.
• You will receive a QR code with instructions on how to configure the eSIM on your device.
• Connect to the internet, preferably via Wi-Fi, and go to your device's Settings to add the eSIM:
• For Android devices: Settings – Connections – SIM Manager to add a mobile plan.
• For iPhones: Settings – Mobile/Cellular – SIMs to add eSIM.
• Scan the QR code.
• After a successful scan, select and activate the eSIM to connect to the Digicel network.

Please note that for Samsung devices, only one physical SIM can be active as the primary SIM. If you have two active SIMs, you will need to disconnect one to use the eSIM as a primary or secondary connection.

Additionally, for iPhones, a new profile must be created after scanning, and you will need to assign the eSIM as a Primary or Secondary profile.

Your eSIM will be activated within 2 hours of scanning the QR code, and no physical documents are required for activation, although a valid ID is needed to register the eSIM.

If you are switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM, you will need to back up your contacts and transfer them to your eSIM.

With Digicel eSIM, you can enjoy the convenience of a digital SIM card that connects directly to the Digicel network, providing instant data without the hassle of roaming charges.

Digi's PrePaid and PostPaid services

Digicel Prepaid and Postpaid Services

Digicel offers both prepaid and postpaid services, with the former being more suitable for tourists and short-term stays, and the latter being more attractive to businesspersons, Belizeans, or expatriates.

Prepaid Service Plans

Digicel's prepaid service plans are activated after purchasing an active Digicel Market Service Plan. Each plan comes with a certain number of service days, and you can access the given prepaid services as long as you don't reach your maximum allotment of minutes or data, and/or still have service days left in your cycle.

To keep your prepaid service active, you must purchase and redeem a new prepaid service plan before your current cycle ends. If you fail to do so, you will be prohibited from using the prepaid services, but you will still be able to make calls to emergency services and Digicel Customer Care, as well as receive calls.

If your account shows no usage for four months, Digicel may discontinue your prepaid service and deactivate your account. Once reactivated, you will be assigned a new phone number.

Postpaid Service Plans

Digicel's postpaid service plans include a specified monthly usage allotment and charges for voice, messaging, and/or data services. Unless specified otherwise, any unused allotment of voice, messaging, and data services from one billing cycle will not carry over to the next.

All postpaid service plans have a minimum service commitment period, and if you terminate your plan within this period, you must provide 30 days' prior written notice, pay any applicable handset and/or device subsidies, and pay the total of all monthly service fees for the remainder of the commitment period.

If your postpaid service plan includes voice services, you can make and receive calls within your plan's coverage area, and additional charges may apply for calls made outside this area.

If your plan includes messaging services, you will be able to send and receive text, picture, and video messages, as well as advanced messaging chat messages. However, messages sent from or received on other devices, such as tablets or laptops, will utilise data services and may incur additional data charges.

If your postpaid service plan includes data services, you will be able to browse the internet and access wireless services, content, and apps.

Digi's DigiNet Fibre Network

In 2018, Belize Telemedia Ltd (BTL) rolled out its Internet Fibre Network, Diginet. This network provides high-speed fibre optic connections to businesses and homes. In addition to basic Internet access, it also offers Diginet Bundle Plans, which provide speeds twice as fast as previous offerings at approximately half the cost.

Diginet offers a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. For example, the DigiNet Entry Plan offers speeds of 20Mbps for BZ $49 per month, while the DigiTriple Boost Plan provides speeds of 150Mbps for BZ $199 per month. In April 2023, Diginet began offering a quad-play service that includes a basic IPTV bundle and increased internet speed of 200Mbps for BZ $219.

Diginet also provides business internet plans, giving businesses a boost with affordable bandwidth and ultra-high-speed connectivity. They also offer a range of unlimited data plans to cater to different usage needs.

The company aims to provide a flexible and stable service, with round-the-clock support and quick issue resolution.

Digi's DigiNet Boost Plans

Digis DigiNet Boost Plans

DigiNet Boost Plans offer high-speed internet access at competitive prices. In April 2023, DigiNet introduced the following Boost Plans, which include GPON Modem rental:

• DigiNet Entry Plan: 20Mbps at $49
• DigiBasic Boost: 40Mbps at $79
• DigiDouble Boost: 80Mbps at $119
• DigiTriple Boost: 150Mbps at $199

These plans provide impressive speeds, leveraging a robust fibre network to deliver a high-quality internet connection to homes and offices. With speeds of up to 150Mbps, customers can enjoy seamless streaming, smooth online gaming, and efficient web browsing.

The DigiNet Boost Plans offer exceptional value, with speeds twice as fast as previous offerings and costs approximately 50% less. Additionally, customers in Stann Creek District or Toledo District can take advantage of a limited-time offer, which includes two months of free internet, free installation, and no deposit required.

For those seeking even faster speeds, DigiNet has recently upgraded its services to provide a quad-play package that includes a basic IPTV bundle and an impressive internet speed of 200Mbps for Bz $219. This upgrade ensures that DigiNet customers can enjoy the fastest residential broadband speed offered by the company.

Frequently asked questions