Belize Telemedia Ltd (BTL) has launched a new fixed-wireless telephony and high speed internet service for rural customers based on 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology in the 450MHz frequency band. Users, some in areas previously without access to a full range of services, can now sign up for 'HomeFone' or 'BizFone' CDMA fixed line phone services (including SMS) and broadband-speed internet access. The network is being rolled out in phases commencing with villages in the southern part of the country. BTL says thousands of additional users will benefit from the new service.

The telco also announced it had completed upgrades to its fibre-optic transmission network in the south, increasing capacity in the Punta Gorda and Independence areas, whilst giving continuous capacity from Belize City to Punta Gorda both via Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and Under Hung Fibre Cables. Telemedia's existing fibre-optic network extends from Belize City to the northern and western borders and also into Belmopan.