Satellite TV in Belize

ABOVE: You will find satellite TV dishes sprouting from many Belizean homes.

Visitors and prospective new Belizeans will be glad to know that their sojourn or permanent move to a tropical paradise does not have to mean an end to television and internet access. Belizeans are nuts about TV and cable TV is widely available in all towns and cities - including the suburbs. Cable television rates average US$15. a month and these generally include about 65 television channels with all the goodies such as HBO, STARZ, Cinemax, Showtime and of course ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. The local cable operators also throw in British, Mexican, Indian and Chinese and Pay Per View Channels for good measure.

For those who area a little too far to get cable or who like your correspondent insist on that high definition signal with Dolby surround sound you cannot yet get from local cable, there is satellite TV. Being so close to North America, the satellite footprint of most television signals covers Belize with excellent signal quality. C-band is widely available as are Dish Network and Direct TV. Most Belizeans and expatriates living here prefer Direct TV because its signal is strongest here.

The size of the satellite dish needs to be a tad larger than what is used in the USA or Canada - usually at least a six foot dish is required for good performance. Some satellite TV aficionados however go the extra mile and import 8 and even 10 foot dishes for no-compromise TV reception - even in strong rain. There are many local dealers including a few expats who are knowledgeable satellite installers looking to supplement their retirement income in paradise.

Fore those moving to Belize we recommend that you bring your own satellite TV receivers. It's cheaper to purchase them in the USA and then just pay the local dealer to provide the dish and setup.

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