Hi Matt:
According to what I have read. Getting a telephone is not hard. It all depends on the area that you will be living in. I imagine that if you will be living in an area that has phone lines it should not be a long wait. You can bring your own phone if you want. Deposits? I think that as a foreigner there would be a deposit. I have read it could be as high as $200.00 (which is refundable)Check with BTL to see what options they have to keep the cost down. You should not have any problem on high bills if you use e-mail or have your family and friends call you. The rates to call Belize from the U.S. are a lot cheaper,than you calling home from Belize. Good Luck!