San Pedro is among the most dynamic and growing communities in Belize with a booming tourism and related services sector. The large number of new small and large resorts has, in particular, demanded a massive amount of internet bandwidth to allow for commercial communications and the Wi-Fi needs of customers of these establishments.

To meet this challenge, Belize Telemedia Ltd. announced on 15th August, 2016 its engagement of industry leader Huawei Technologies Ltd to undertake a short term boost to connectivity via an expanded over-the-air microwave link, and more significantly, the installation of an undersea fiber-optic cable that will link San Pedro to Belize and the rest of the world.

The short term expansion of connectivity, already underway, is the installation of a larger 3G Microwave Link from Belize City to South San Pedro, expanding current bandwidth capacity by 100 percent. This brings immediate expansion of data capacity to meet current demands and to allow for the introduction of BTL’s 4G LTE in the coming months under the company’s DigiCell Mobile banner.
The longer term infrastructural solution is the undersea fiber optic cable project – dubbed the Strategic Evolution Underwater Link (SEUL). This project is set to commence this month; it will mean the linking of Ambergris Caye to mainland Belize via a fiber optic underwater cable. It is expected to meet the all broadband capacity needs on the island for at least the next 15 to 20 years – allowing customers on Ambergris Caye to get as much broadband as they need and want. The investment is SEUL is expected to total some BZD $12 Million. The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2017.

“We have made it our mission to put Belize in the top three in the region in terms of connectivity and broadband speeds. The Strategic Evolution Underwater Link project ensures that the critical commercial center that is San Pedro is not left out of the Broadband revolution that we are undertaking all over Belize,” said Anwar Barrow, Chairman of the BTL Executive Committee.
Mike Constable, CEO of Huawei Marine, added: “We are excited to continue our partnership with BTL, this time to construct a next-generation undersea cable system that will use advanced technology to bring fast, reliable and low-cost connectivity to the people of Belize”

Huawei Technologies is also the vendor-partner for the BTL in the installation of the 4G LTE Network and brand new mobile core that will come on stream in the coming months.
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About Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL)
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is the leading telecommunications provider in Belize. The company provides mobile, PSTN, and broadband services to both the residential and commercial markets, with full reach throughout the country. The company is committed to the development of the Belizean community, and the expansion of its product offerings to ensure that the country of Belize becomes a regional leader in telecommunications- as measured by quality of service- by the year 2020. The company employs 600 person. It is a limited liability company, with 63 percent of shares held by the Government of Belize on behalf of the Belizean people. The remaining shares are held by domestic institutional investors and individuals. The company trades in the mobile marketplace under the banner “DigiCell.”

About Huawei Marine Networks Co., Ltd.
Huawei Marine Networks Co., Limited (Huawei Marine) is a joint venture established by Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. and Global Marine Systems Limited. Combining the substantial expertise of the two parent companies, Huawei Marine integrates the state-of-the-art optical transmission technology and 160 years of marine engineering and installation excellence, with a strong commitment to the development of innovative submarine cable network solutions throughout the globe. Huawei Marine delivers highly reliable, cost-effective turnkey submarine cable system solutions incorporating system design, integration and installation services with an on-going focus and commitment to customer support for network operators.
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Our aim is to enrich life and improve efficiency through a better connected world, acting as a responsible corporate citizen, innovative enabler for the information society, and collaborative contributor to the industry. Driven by customer-centric innovation and open partnerships, Huawei has established an end-to-end ICT solutions portfolio that gives customers competitive advantages in telecom and enterprise networks, devices and cloud computing. Huawei’s 170,000 employees worldwide are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers. Our innovative ICT solutions, products and services are used in more than 170 countries and regions, serving over one-third of the world’s population. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.

For more information, please contact Senior Public Relations Representative for BTL, Cindy Blanco, at cblanco@belizetelemedia.net or +501 223-017