Overview

The Belize Telecommunications Act No. 16 of 2002 liberalized telecommunications and made the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) the industry regulator. A process of consultation with prospective players on license terms and conditions for new entrants and on price control and inter-connection sets the stage for competition. License conditions and legal obligations require license holders to behave in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, to provide cost-oriented services to competitors and to refrain from abuse of a dominant position with predatory or other anti-competitive practices.

The sector is also responsible for Regulatory Framework both internationally and regionally in conjunction with recommendations laid out by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL).

Belize is becoming one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the Caribbean and has seen an increase in the teledensity as well as a sharp decline in tariffs for various services within the sector thus, contributing to the economic growth of the country. Telecommunications along with Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), has vastly accelerated the growth of the social and economic development of the country.  

For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 

4.11 Additional Services Contact List

Telecommunication Regulation

Broadcasting and television are regulated under the Broadcasting and Television Act overseen by the Belize Broadcasting Authority. 

Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

BTL (Belize Telemedia Limited) is the largest Internet service provider in Belize. However, 27 companies have been granted licenses to provide Internet in Belize. At least one other company, Southern Cable Network (formerly known as Mirror Net), is in Belmopan and has started to offer Internet service again. Some Belizeans also use satellite service to connect to the Internet, although the connection speed tends to be slower compared to other services. For some remote areas, satellite services are the only options.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

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, Belize Telemedia Limited, is government-owned. The second-largest company and mobile operator is Smart Telecom Belize.

Belize Telemedia Limited offers its cellular service under the “DigiCell” brand, a digital service with GSM dual band 850/1900 MHz technology. Cellular plans in Belize are easy to understand and they can be broken into two segments: post and pre-paid. Most Belizeans use Digicell or SMART pre-paid service, as there is no need of a contract and no forms need to be signed. 

For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website. 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.