Belize’s telecoms services sector remains poorly developed by regional standards. Both fixed-line tele density and mobile penetration are lower than that in the neighboring countries. For many years there was insufficient competition in the market, which resulted in underinvestment. However, competition from a growing number of ISPs, as well as the presence of OTT players which offer free messaging services, has encouraged the incumbent telco Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) to adopt a reforming strategy. Under the moniker of New BTL’, the company is aiming to transform itself at all levels into an effectively competitive operator more commercially minded and focused on cheaper pricing and customer retention.

The number of fixed lines continues to fall as customers adopt mobile services for basic telecoms. This has kept fixed-line tele density low, while mobile penetration continues to rise steadily. The mobile sector account for over bout 90% of all phone subscriptions in the country.

Key developments

• SpeedNet the first to launch LTE services, with DigiCell to follow later in 2016;
• The number of fixed-line connections continues to fall as customers adopt mobile services for basic telecoms;
• Mobile sector accounting for over 90% of all phone subscriptions;
• BTL reported 1% fall in telecom revenue for fiscal 2015, prompting new strategy to deal with competition.

Market penetration rates in Belize’s telecoms sector 2015 (Estimated)

Penetration of telecoms services:	Penetration Rate
Fixed-line telephony	6.9%
Fixed broadband	4.6%
Mobile SIM (population)	173%