Belize's Compatible Modems

Belize has two Wi-Fi providers, and some people opt to subscribe to both to ensure they always have coverage. The country's cell phone and internet access rates are the highest in Central America, but prices have decreased in recent years. Belize is well served by cellular service, which covers most of the country and certain marine areas close to major coastal population centers. The major telecommunication company is the government-owned Belize Telemedia Limited, which offers its cellular service under the Digicell brand. DigiCell and Smart offer wireless internet, including prepaid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for cell phones, tablets, and personal computers. Both companies also offer combo plans that include unlimited text messages, internet data usage, and minutes for voice calls.

Modems in Belize: Fibre Optic Network

Belize's internet infrastructure has seen significant improvements in recent years, with the government taking control of the previously foreign-owned Belize Telemedia Limited in 2011. This has resulted in more affordable and accessible internet services for residents and businesses alike.

In 2018, Belize Telemedia invested in a national Fibre Optic Network, marking a significant shift in the country's internet landscape. This network has been rolled out to major areas such as San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize City, Belmopan, and Orange Walk, with plans to expand to other districts. The Fibre Optic Network offers impressive service plans, including the DigiNet Boost Plans, which provide high-speed internet at competitive prices. For example, the DigiNet Entry Plan offers 20Mbps for $49, while the DigiTriple Boost Plan provides 150Mbps for $199.

The Fibre Optic Network also introduced the DIGIONE quadplay offer, which, for $219 per month, provides users with 200Mbps download speed, 100Mbps upload speed, and a basic 130-channel IPTV lineup on up to four devices. This puts Belize on par with developed countries in terms of internet and mobile services.

In addition to the Fibre Optic Network, Belize Telemedia has also upgraded its cellular network to 4G LTE, outpacing many other countries in Central America. This upgrade, provided by Huawei infrastructure, offers improved speeds and connectivity for mobile users.

The improvements in internet access and speed have had a positive impact on various aspects of life in Belize. For retirees, high-speed internet access is now more affordable and widely available, enabling them to stay connected with friends and family, manage their businesses, and access entertainment. Additionally, the increased broadband connectivity has the potential to boost the country's GDP, as highlighted by the World Bank's conclusion that a 10% increase in broadband penetration adds 1.38% growth to a nation's GDP.

Overall, the Fibre Optic Network in Belize has revolutionized the country's internet landscape, providing faster speeds, improved accessibility, and competitive pricing. These advancements have elevated Belize's internet and mobile services to a level comparable with those in developed nations, fostering socio-economic development and enhancing connectivity for both individuals and businesses.

Modems in Belize: DigiNet Boost Plans

In April 2023, Belize Telemedia Ltd. (BTL) upgraded its DigiNet Boost Plans to include a GPON modem rental. This upgrade means that customers can now access the internet at faster speeds and for a lower cost compared to previous offerings.

The DigiNet Boost Plans offer a range of speeds and prices to suit different needs. The DigiNet Entry Plan provides 20Mbps speed at a cost of $49, while the DigiBasic Boost doubles the speed to 40Mbps for $79. For those needing faster speeds, the DigiDouble Boost offers 80Mbps for $119, and the DigiTriple Boost provides an impressive 150Mbps for $199.

These plans are available to both residents and tourists in Belize, and the modem rental is included in the monthly subscription fee. BTL also offers a quad-play service, which includes a basic IPTV bundle and an increased internet speed of 200Mbps for BZ $219.

In addition to the DigiNet Boost Plans, BTL also provides a high-speed broadband internet service via DSL cable in select locations, with prices starting at $39 Belizean dollars (US $19.50) per month.

For those living in rural areas or seeking an alternative option, satellite internet is also available in Belize. This option does not require a physical ground connection and can be ideal for individuals living in remote locations. However, it is important to note that satellite internet may be more expensive and require a larger dish for optimal signal strength.

Overall, the DigiNet Boost Plans offer a range of speed and price options to meet the needs of residents and tourists in Belize, providing reliable and fast internet access in a country that has historically had high internet and cellular access rates.

Modems in Belize: DigiCell and SMART

Belize has two main telecommunication companies: the government-owned Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and the privately-held SMART SPEEDNET. Both companies provide cellular and internet services, with BTL operating under the "`Digicell`" brand.

DigiCell

DigiCell offers both post-paid and pre-paid plans, with the former being more attractive to businesspersons, locals, and expatriates due to the permanence of the cell number. DigiCell also provides wireless internet services, including pre-paid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for various devices. Additionally, they offer "`combo`" plans that include unlimited text messages, internet data usage, and minutes for voice calls.

SMART

SMART Telecom Belize, a private company operating since 2005, offers similar services to DigiCell, except they utilise the CDMA network spectrum. SMART delivers all its services over WIFI and air spectrum, and their prices are slightly lower compared to DigiCell.

Modems in Belize

Both DigiCell and SMART offer modem/wireless router combos, and your device simply needs to be PPoE compatible to work. In April 2023, DigiCell upgraded its internet services to include the rental of a GPON modem, with speeds ranging from 20Mbps to 150Mbps.

Internet Access in Belize

Internet access in Belize has improved significantly, with high-speed wireless internet widely available throughout the country at affordable prices. Various options are offered by DigiCell, SMART, and BTL, including monthly subscriptions and pre-paid cards. Additionally, retirees or those in rural areas may opt for DSL lines or satellite internet, respectively.

Cell Phone Coverage

Cellular service in Belize covers most of the country and certain marine areas close to major coastal population centres. While there may be spots in remote locations like Mayan villages, jungles, and mountains, where cell phone coverage is lacking, the major tourism areas, including Ambergris Caye and Placencia, generally have good reception.

Modems in Belize: Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is an excellent choice for people living in rural parts of Belize and its islands (cayes). It is also a good option for retirees in Belize, as it provides connectivity in even the remotest areas. Satellite internet operates through a satellite dish that transmits and receives data to and from a satellite orbiting the Earth, eliminating the need for a physical ground connection. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals living in remote areas with limited infrastructure.

Satellite internet in Belize requires a slightly larger dish than that used in the USA and Canada. A 2-foot dish gives excellent results, while some users opt for a 4 or 6-foot dish to get the strongest signal that can withstand heavy thunderstorms. Setting up a satellite internet dish is more complex than setting up a satellite TV dish, as the alignment is critical for transmitting data up to the satellite. Therefore, it is recommended to hire a technician for the installation.

Satellite Internet Access is available from various Belizean and expat installers, who often do not advertise to avoid harassment from the Public Utilities Commission. It is advisable to ask friends or neighbours for referrals. Satellite internet is relatively affordable in Belize, with prices around US $120 per month for unlimited use and speeds of about 2 Mbps up and 25 Mbps down. Hughes and Dish Networks are the preferred providers in Belize. Viasat satellite internet service is also available throughout Belize as of 2021, offering speeds of 17 megs down and 3 megs up, with a total data throughput of 1000 gigabytes per month.

In addition to satellite internet, Belize offers other options for internet access, including DSL, wireless, and 4G LTE services. The national telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited, provides DSL cable internet with speeds of up to 130 Mbps in select locations. DigiCell and Smart are other popular providers, offering wireless internet and combo plans that include unlimited text messages, internet data, and voice call minutes.

Belize has made significant improvements in its internet infrastructure, with the government taking over the foreign-owned Belize Telemedia Limited in 2011, improving access and affordability. The country has also invested in a national Fiber Optic Network, offering impressive service plans and speeds that rival those of developed countries.

Modems in Belize: DSL Cable

Belize has a range of options for internet access, including DSL cable. DSL (or ADSL) functions similarly to a traditional telephone line, providing high-speed broadband internet access. This type of connection is popular among retirees in Belize, enabling them to stay connected with friends and family, stream movies, manage businesses, and engage in activities like stock trading.

The national telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited, offers DSL cable internet in select locations starting at 39 Belizean dollars (US $19.50) per month. DigiCell and Smart, two prominent telecommunication companies in Belize, also provide DSL internet services with various tiers of service, including unlimited internet options starting at 55 Belizean dollars (US $27.50) per month in certain areas. These companies also offer wireless internet and "combo" plans that bundle internet data, text messages, and voice call minutes.

In addition to DSL cable, other internet options in Belize include satellite internet, which is ideal for those in rural and remote areas. Satellite internet operates through a satellite dish that transmits and receives data, eliminating the need for a physical ground connection. While it may be more expensive, it ensures reliable internet access in locations with limited infrastructure. Belize has also made significant strides in its internet infrastructure, with the government taking over the foreign-owned Belize Telemedia Limited in 2011, improving access and affordability.

When choosing a modem for DSL cable in Belize, it's important to ensure compatibility with the specific service provider. Both BTL and SMART offer modem/wireless router combos, and your device simply needs to be PPoE compatible to work with their services. It's worth noting that some providers may not offer technical support if you choose to use your own modem or router.

Overall, Belize offers a range of internet options, including DSL cable, satellite, and wireless, providing residents and visitors with reliable and affordable connectivity.

Frequently asked questions