TV Communication Guide
Cable is the most popular option for watching television in Belgium, with over 94% of all households having a cable connection. There are about 80 digital channels available, of which around 35 can be viewed without a subscription, though a digital converter box is needed. Television programming is in Flemish (Dutch) and in French, though many English programmes are available and may have subtitles in Flemish or French. There are two public channels, Vlaamse Radio en Televisieomroep (VRT) on the Flemish side and Radio Television Belge de la Communaute Francaise (RTBF). From most of the cable companies, these channels are available for free, though the converter box may have a small monthly charge of around 5€, and may also have an installation fee of around 70€. On some packages offered by the cable companies, channels like BBC, CNN, National Geographic and Discovery may be available which broadcast in English and may have Flemish or French subtitles. Similarly, the satellite companies have packages on offer that vary in price, too, depending on the programming chosen.
Cable Companies
Belgacom – The main and most established provider of cable. Basic packages begin at around 10€/month. http://www.belgacom.be/private/en/jsp/dynamic/productCategory.jsp?dcrName=idtv_bouquets
Numericable – Basic packages begin at around 16€/month. http://www.numericable.be/tv.html
Voo – Basic packages begin at around 12€/month. http://www.voo.be/en/tv/
Satellite Companies
Various packages are by having a satellite dish pointing in the right direction. A lot of expats, however, particularly the from the British colonies, choose to get Sky TV instead as it provides a wider range of English sports, broadcast in English. Even on local satellite companies you can get packages that cater towards other countries such as the US, India and so on, but for this you need to speak to your provider before your purchase.
TV Vlaanderen – Aims mainly at the Flemish speaking part of the country. Basic packages begin at around 10€/month. http://www.tv-vlaanderen.be/index2.asp
Telesat – Aimed at the French-speaking population, packages also begin at around 10€/month. http://www.telesat.be/
Sky TV – Most expats, particularly from the former English colonies choose to get Sky TV. As Sky is not directly represented in Belgium, expats buy satellite dishes and Sky Boces online (Ebay.co.uk), have it shipped to Belgium and then set up by a local installer. The main problem with this is that you generally need a British address to register the dish. The cost of a comprehensive selection of channels is around 50Euro/mth. The following is one way in which you can get SkyTv in Belgium: http://storesatellite.com/index.php
