Would like to buy an internet dongle for laptop for either Smart or Digicell.

This is the one you get from BTL: http://www.amazon.com/4596-3G-Mobile-Bro...9189&sr=8-3

You can save a bit buying online but by the time you pay duty and shipping you may as well get it from BTL.

The SMART one (CDMA) costs Bz$185, and there are choices of data packages. If their phone calls are anything to go by, performance will be more reliable than from Digicell - though I have no direct experience.

I think this weeks San Pedro newspaper shows a $90BZ package of some kind, was curious though if anyone had one they wanted to part with before getting a brand new one.

Have you had any experience with these USB dongles?

I use the BTL one when I'm out sailing and it works fine for me.

Thanks for the info everyone. I travel throughout Belize quite a bit, is the coverage area for the BTL one good?

Yes, but they don't mention that you also have to buy the dongle for Bz$185. I know - I went into SMART to sign up.

As to signal strength, I find Digicell reliable when away from buildings, such as out on the water, but in town there are some dead areas. I only bought a SMART phone in addition to Digicell because Digicell doesn't work reliably in or near my house.