Belize's Tech Infrastructure

Belize is a country with a small population of around 400,000 people, and it is becoming one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the Caribbean. Belize has a relatively high rate of connectivity, with half the population having access to the internet, and nearly 95% of adults owning a mobile device. The country's technology infrastructure has been crucial in its successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the government utilising technology and real-time data for decision-making. Belize's tourism industry relies on fast, reliable internet, and Digi's state-of-the-art fibre optic network delivers this, spanning over 22,000 square kilometres across the country.

Belize's telecom market is growing fast

Belize is one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the Caribbean. The country has seen an increase in telecommunications density, with nearly 95% of adults having access to cellular mobile devices, and half the population having an internet connection. This figure has doubled in the past decade, and more than two-thirds of the population are active on social media.

Belize has relatively high rates of connectivity, with internet widely available in major population centres. High-speed broadband is available to regular customers in select areas at very affordable prices. Belize performs well in categories such as internet bandwidth per user, due to its relatively small population and an undersea cable that connects the country to the United States. However, undeveloped areas and rural communities lack coverage and rely on expensive, slower satellite connections.

Belize's government is committed to improving access and service quality for customers, promoting innovation, and seeking trusted vendors for telecommunications hardware and software. The country has granted licenses to 27 companies to provide internet services, and is interested in investment in digitising government services and developing technological skills. Belize's largest internet service provider, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), provides fast connection speeds even in remote locations.

Belize's tourism industry, which contributes over 60% to the country's GDP, is highly dependent on fast and reliable internet services. Digi, a state-of-the-art fibre optic network provider, spans over 22,000 square kilometres across the country, delivering ultra-fast internet speeds. Fibre optics has enabled the introduction of new technologies, creating an exciting future for Belize, particularly in the fields of education, business, and tourism.

Belize has also demonstrated the effective use of technology in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the use of locally-developed tracking, tracing, and reporting platforms, Belize successfully contained the spread of the virus, becoming one of the first countries in the Americas to do so.

Internet access is widely available

Internet Access in Belize

Internet access is most readily available in major population centres, with high-speed broadband offered at affordable prices in select areas. Belize's tourism industry, which contributes over 60% to the country's GDP, relies on fast and reliable internet services. Digi, for example, provides a state-of-the-art fibre-optic network that spans the entire country, delivering ultra-fast internet speeds to towns and villages. As a result, most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Belize offer free Wi-Fi services to their customers.

Belize's government is committed to improving access to the internet and other technologies for its citizens. They have expressed interest in investment in digitizing government services, developing technological skills, and pursuing emerging technologies. Additionally, the government has demonstrated the effective use of technology in decision-making, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the use of locally developed tracking, tracing, and reporting platforms, Belize successfully managed the spread of the virus, becoming one of the first countries in the Americas to do so.

While internet access is widely available in urban areas, undeveloped areas and rural communities in Belize lack coverage and rely on expensive, slower satellite connections. The government's commitment to improving access and service quality, along with the increasing demand for high-speed broadband, is expected to drive further expansion of internet infrastructure in these underserved regions.

The government supports technological innovation

Belize is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The government is committed to promoting competition in the market, improving access and service quality for customers, and seeking trusted vendors for telecommunications hardware and software.

Belize is becoming one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the Caribbean, with high rates of connectivity. Half of the population has an internet connection, and nearly 95% of adults have access to cellular mobile devices. Belize has relatively high internet bandwidth per user due to its small population and an undersea cable that connects the country to the United States.

The Belizean government supports technological innovation by improving industry infrastructure and labour force training through BELTRAIDE. They are also working to expand their telecommunications infrastructure, creating opportunities for medium-sized U.S. enterprises to provide consulting, hardware, software, and other technical services to local service providers.

Belize has signalled its interest in investing in digitizing government and developing technological skills. The government is committed to improving access to technology and promoting innovative solutions. They support the use of technology in judicial processes and have established the Restore Belize platform to address the high crime rate in the country.

Additionally, the Belizean government has demonstrated support for innovation in technology by partnering with organisations like The Society of Woman Coders, which aims to encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM. The government fully funded and facilitated a free coding camp for high school girls in Belmopan, showcasing their dedication to empowering women in technology and promoting technological advancement.

Technology has been used to improve tourism

Belize is a small economy dominated by private enterprise, with agriculture, merchandising, agro-based industry, and tourism being the key sectors. However, construction and technology are also on the rise. The country has seen a steady growth in its travel and tourism sector, with strong demand from American tourists and retirees.

Technology has been instrumental in improving the tourism sector in Belize. Here are some ways in which technology has been leveraged to enhance the industry:

High-Speed Internet Infrastructure:

Belize has invested in high-speed internet infrastructure, with fixed broadband offering faster download speeds than mobile internet. This provides a solid foundation for various technological innovations in the tourism sector. Digi, a network provider, is working to deliver a world-standard fiber optic network to ensure reliable internet connectivity. As a result, many cafes, hotels, and restaurants now offer free Wi-Fi to their customers.

Online Presence and Social Media:

The importance of an online presence and social media engagement cannot be overstated. Restaurants, hotels, and tourism businesses are encouraged to optimise their online presence, as guests often share their experiences on social media. A well-designed website, strategic use of social media platforms, and the availability of Wi-Fi are essential for staying competitive in the industry.

Contactless Services and Mobile Technologies:

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of contactless technologies in the tourism sector. Belize has embraced this trend with QR codes replacing physical menus and room compendiums, mobile room keys, in-app appointment booking and ordering, contactless check-in, and touchless payment systems. These innovations not only enhance the customer experience but also improve safety standards.

Virtual Reality (VR):

Belize has recognised the potential of VR technology in promoting its tourism offerings. A VR experience featuring a real dive site in Belize, 'Dive with Sylvia VR', was released on the Oculus Rift console, providing gamers and enthusiasts with an immersive tour of the country's marine life and ancient archaeological sites. This innovative use of VR has helped showcase the natural beauty of Belize on an international stage.

Sustainable Development and Environmental Monitoring:

Belize, being a country that thrives on tourism, is committed to sustainable development. Following its Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) in 2017, the country is focusing on building stations for Marine Environmental Monitoring to ensure clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption and production.

Education and Skill Development:

Technology has transformed the education landscape in Belize, with the establishment of advanced computer laboratories and improved access to the internet. The Giga Belize Program, a collaboration between the Belizean government and the Giga initiative, aims to provide internet connectivity to every school and empower youth with access to opportunities and information. Additionally, affordable internet plans are available for full-time students from low-income families, enabling them to pursue online courses from universities worldwide.

In conclusion, technology has played a pivotal role in enhancing Belize's tourism sector, improving the overall experience for visitors and positioning the country as a top choice for travellers seeking unique and innovative destinations.

Technology has been used to improve health

Belize has a relatively well-established healthcare system, with both public and private sectors. However, the quality of healthcare in Belize is not on par with that of North America or the European Union. With a population of fewer than 400,000, limited financial resources are available to invest in advanced medical technology.

Despite these challenges, technology has been leveraged to improve health outcomes in Belize. Here are some examples:

Belize Health Information System (BHIS)

The BHIS is a web-based health information system that links the Ministry of Health with public and private hospitals, laboratories, and clinics. It enables authorised users to access patient data from anywhere in the country, improving efficiency and encouraging a more holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. The system also facilitates the tracking and monitoring of infectious disease outbreaks and supports programmes such as the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

National Health Insurance (NHI)

Belize has implemented the NHI program to address healthcare inequity and improve the financing system. The NHI provides primary care services to Belizeans at no cost, reducing financial barriers to accessing healthcare.

Integrated Primary Health Care Approach

This initiative addresses fragmentation in the healthcare system by implementing programs that focus on lifestyle-related health and wellness through primary care physicians. This approach helps to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and violence-related injuries.

Expansion of the Healthcare Workforce

Belize has expanded training programs and partnered with foreign medical schools, like the Medical College of Wisconsin, to address the shortage of medical professionals. These partnerships have improved the availability of healthcare workers and enhanced their capabilities to better treat patients.

Laboratory Services in Santa Teresa

In collaboration with the PROBITAS Foundation, the Government of Belize and UNICEF worked to establish a medical laboratory in Santa Teresa, Toledo District. This laboratory is equipped to conduct basic medical tests, including full blood count, blood typing, chemistry, glucose, HIV, and dengue testing. The addition of this laboratory has improved access to healthcare for the local community, especially for pregnant women and individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Technological Advancements in Hospitals

Belize's hospitals have adopted modern technology to enhance their capabilities. For example, the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan, the nation's capital, expanded to four operating theatres, added a dental clinic, and computerized its health records system. This digitisation improves efficiency by making patient health profiles and prescription information readily accessible.

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