Cayman Television & Cable

Last updated: 9th Jan 2012

In this section we explain the television options in the Cayman Islands.

TELEVISION
There are many options for the TV addict: cable, satellite, Direct-TV or Dish Network. Start-up costs, depending on how much equipment you need, can range from CI$60-CI$2,000. Monthly fees are in the range of CI$39-CI$130. There are also four local TV stations that you can view for free: Island 24 (channel 24 over-the-air and on WestStar), Cayman 27 (channel 27 over-the-air and on WestStar), Trinity Broadcast Network (channel 21 over-the-air and on WestStar) and the Seventh Day Adventist Network (channel 30 over-the-air and channel 2 on WestStar).

Wireless Cable Service
WestStar TV offers a wireless cable service from their central receiving tower in George Town to individual receiving antennas in each household. If your home has an antenna installed for WestStar TV, the connection cost of their service is CI$60. Otherwise, the cost is CI$125 for an antenna. Installation fees include one cable box, but you can order extra boxes when you sign up. If you add boxes post-installation, you’ll be charged a CI$40 one-time fee and an additional CI$12 per month.

There are three tiers of television service: Digital Starter for CI$39 per month which includes 16 channels; Digital Limited for CI$60 per month which includes 37 channels and Digital Classic for CI$72 which has 45 channels. All options come with 49 free music channels. Customers on the Digital Classic package can add packages anytime, including Movies Plus (CI$18), Alternative Languages (CI$9), Sports & Info (CI$18), Sports Max (CI$15), Extreme Sports (CI$8), Family & Variety (CI$13.50), Filipino Channel (CI$10), ZEETV (CI$10) and services such as HD, DVR and pay-per-view.

DVR (Digital Video Recorder) service is also available at WestStar TV, where you can pause and rewind live TV, record shows, create their own mini-marathon, replay in slow-motion etc. HD customers can bring in their HD box and exchange it for an HD/DVR box. DVR service costs an additional CI$15 per month for one DVR box. New customers can opt for a DVR with the standard installation fee applying and Digital Classic customers can upgrade with a one-time CI$50 installation fee. You do not have to subscribe to HD to get DVR, but the DVR boxes are HD capable.

Strata complexes with 16 units or more qualify for discounted rates for all services if the entire strata upgrades. Individual residents in a complex can upgrade at the regular retail rate but will require permission from the strata to upgrade. In the latter case, the resident will still get the discounted rate for the Digital Classic service but will be invoiced separately for HD and/or DVR. Additional HD boxes are available for CI$12 per month and additional HD/DVR boxes (one box does both) cost CI$25 per month.

To apply, call or visit one of the WestStar TV locations: Governors Square on West Bay Road or The Television Centre off Eastern Avenue. For information call (345) 745 5555 or email: support@weststartv.com

Satellite
Dish Direct TV supplies satellite TV services with about 500 channels including high-definition, 3D programming and a broad range of international and special interest programmes. Your home or apartment complex must have a satellite dish for signal distribution, which you may either purchase or lease. A complete satellite system for either single or multiplex residences can be designed, supplied and installed with permission by the strata or property owner. The monthly price for programming depends on the number and selection of channels you want, but typically starts at CI$24.99 per month for a basic plan (120 channels) and goes up to CI$84.99 for the Everything Pack (over 280 channels). There is also a one-time set-up activation fee of CI$179, an annual fee of CI$60 and a monthly service and equipment warranty fee of CI$10.

Dish Direct also sells DVR receivers, Google TV and Dish World Broadband TV, which provides international language programming via broadband. They are located in the Brand Source Centre, 209 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park, George Town, Tel: (345) 949 4000 or email: sales.dishdirecttv@candw.ky

You can also buy premium brand plasma, LCD, DLP, laser televisions, home entertainment systems, iPhones, iPads, WiFi routers and accessories from Brand Source, located in the same building. Complete wiring and installation services for home entertainment and sound and vision automation systems are also available at Brand Source.