Belize's Fastest Internet: Where To Find It

Belize has decent internet coverage, but it is often slow and expensive. The country has many internet service providers, including DigiCell, BTL, and Smart, which offer monthly subscriptions and affordable prepaid cards that work across the country. The internet speed in Belize has improved in recent years, but it still lags behind other Caribbean countries. Places like Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and Caye Caulker have the best wifi, with speeds of 30 MBPS or more. However, in small towns and remote areas, the wifi might not be as reliable, and some places only have mobile data access.

Internet speed in Belize

Belize offers various types of internet connections, including satellite, DSL, cable, and fibre optics. Fibre optic internet is available in select areas, offering faster speeds. In most parts of Belize, you can expect good WiFi and 3G/4G signal. However, some rural and remote areas may have limited or no access to WiFi, relying solely on mobile data.

The two biggest internet providers in Belize are SMART and BTL DIGI, offering DSL lines of high-speed internet for less than $100 BZD per month. DigiCell and Smart also provide wireless internet with pre-paid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for mobile devices and computers. Additionally, they offer "combo" plans that include unlimited texts, data, and voice call minutes.

According to Speedtest.net, as of December 2022, most restaurants and bars in Belize have speeds ranging from 5 to 15 MBPS, while hotels and businesses can expect 30 MBPS or higher. Places like Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and Caye Caulker are known for their excellent WiFi, benefiting from fibre optic infrastructure.

Overall, while internet speeds in Belize have shown improvement, there is still room for growth to match the standards of other Caribbean nations.

Internet costs in Belize

Belize has a wide range of internet options, with varying costs.

For those living in rural areas, satellite internet is a good option. It provides connectivity in even the most remote areas of Belize. Satellite internet is relatively cheap for Belize, at about $120 per month for unlimited use. However, setting up a satellite internet dish is not easy, and a technician is usually required to do it for you.

For those living in urban areas, DSL (ADSL) is a popular choice. 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. DigiCell and Smart are two other providers that offer DSL internet, with prices starting at $55 Belizean dollars (US $27.50) per month for unlimited internet in select locations.

Wireless internet is also available from DigiCell and Smart, with pre-paid 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.

If you're looking for a more portable option, a MiFi device (wireless router) can easily connect all your devices to the internet anywhere in the country, including the offshore islands. This option is offered by both DigiCell and Smart.

For those seeking faster speeds, fiber optic internet is available countrywide, including in most rural areas. DigiNet offers several plans, with speeds ranging from 20Mbps to 150Mbps, priced between $49 and $199 per month.

While internet costs in Belize have become more affordable in recent years, it is important to note that the country still has the second slowest internet in the Caribbean.

Internet providers in Belize

Internet access in Belize has improved significantly in recent years, with faster speeds and more affordable prices. There are several internet service providers (ISPs) in Belize, offering various types of connections such as satellite, DSL, cable, and fibre optics.

Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is an excellent option for people in rural areas or the cayes (islands) as it does not require a physical ground connection. It operates through a satellite dish that transmits and receives data from a satellite orbiting the Earth. While it provides reliable internet access in remote locations, it can be more expensive, with prices around US$120 per month for unlimited use. Hughes, Dish Networks, and Viasat are among the satellite internet providers in Belize.

DSL and Cable

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) cable provides high-speed broadband internet access, similar to a traditional telephone line. DigiCell, Smart, and the national telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), offer DSL internet services with various plans, including unlimited internet starting at competitive prices.

Fibre Optics

Fibre optic internet provides faster speeds and is available countrywide, including in cities, towns, and most rural areas. DigiNet offers a range of plans with speeds up to 200 Mbps. BTL, Belize's national telecommunications company, also provides fibre optic internet with speeds of up to 2 Gigabits down and 1 Gigabit up.

Mobile Service Providers

Mobile service providers in Belize, such as DigiCell, Smart, and BTL, offer internet connections for mobile phones and smartphones. They also provide MiFi devices, which create Wi-Fi hotspots and are particularly useful in areas without DSL or cable access.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Wi-Fi is widely accessible in Belize, with many hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops offering free or paid hotspots. BTL provides free Wi-Fi in all of their offices. Additionally, internet cafes are available in almost all Belizean cities for those without personal devices.

Other Providers

In addition to the previously mentioned ISPs, there are several other internet providers in Belize, including Alternative Networks Ltd, Central TV and Internet Limited, PrimeTel Services Inc., Southern Cable Network, and Speednet Communications Limited.

While internet coverage in Belize has improved, it is still relatively slow compared to other countries in the Caribbean. However, with increasing competition among providers, it is expected that internet speeds will continue to increase, and prices will become more competitive.

Internet access in rural Belize

Internet access in Belize has improved in recent years, but it still lags behind other Caribbean countries. While urban areas have better internet connectivity, rural parts of Belize have historically relied on satellite internet, which can be expensive. However, the liberalisation of the telecom sector has led to increased competition, resulting in improved services and more affordable prices.

Satellite internet has been a popular choice for people in rural Belize due to its ability to provide connectivity in remote areas without the need for a physical ground connection. It uses a satellite dish to transmit and receive data from an orbiting satellite. While it offers dependable internet access, the setup process is more complex and usually requires a technician. The cost of satellite internet in Belize is approximately US$120 per month for unlimited use, with speeds of about 2 Mbps for uploads and 25 Mbps for downloads.

In addition to satellite internet, mobile service providers have introduced small hotspot devices called mi-fi units. These devices use cell phone signals to provide wi-fi to any wi-fi-enabled device, making them a portable and flexible option for internet access in rural areas. While the speeds may vary, some users have reported satisfactory experiences with 4G mi-fi units, which offer portability and work even during power outages. However, these units typically operate on a pay-as-you-go plan, which can be expensive for activities such as streaming or making internet calls.

Another option for internet access in rural Belize is the recent introduction of fibre optic connections. While previously limited to urban areas, fibre optic services are now available in most rural areas as well. This technology offers faster speeds and more reliable connections. However, the cost of fibre optic internet can be high, with prices ranging from BZD400 per month for 16 Mbps to BZD199 per month for 150 Mbps.

Overall, while internet access in rural Belize has improved, there is still room for development in terms of speed and affordability. The availability of satellite internet, mi-fi units, and the expansion of fibre optic services have all contributed to enhancing connectivity in these areas.

Internet cafes in Belize

Belize has decent internet coverage, but it is often slow and expensive. The country has many internet service providers, and internet cafes can be found in almost all Belizean cities.

If you are arriving in Belize by cruise ship and want to check your email, there are a few options for internet cafes near the cruise terminal. One person reported that there was internet access in the Tourist Village, with several computers available. This can be expensive, at around US$5 an hour. There is also a library on North Front Street, a short walk from the Tourist Village, which once had an internet room. Another option is to try the store across the street from Brodie's on Regent Street, which previously offered internet-connected computers.

If you are in Ambergris Caye, you can get one hour per day of free Wi-Fi in Central Park in town. There are also a few internet cafes that charge by the hour.

Typical rates for internet cafes in Belize are about BZ$2 an hour.

Frequently asked questions