Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton Says She Wants to Trust PUC to Fulfil Its Regulatory Role

Opposition Leader and UDP Leader Tracy Panton says she would like to have confidence that the Public Utilities Commission will carry out its regulatory responsibilities independently when reviewing BTL’s proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited.  Panton made the comment following today’s meeting between the UDP and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. She noted that the PUC has a legal duty to examine how the proposed transaction could affect competition, consumers, service quality and prices within the telecommunications sector.  While expressing hope that the regulator will fulfil its mandate, Panton said the review must be transparent and guided by the public interest.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “I would like to take the PUC at its word. I would like to. The truth of the matter is we are jaded. We have seen in the past where the political directorate on these bodies take their instructions from the government and not necessarily in the interest of the people but we would like to give the PUC the benefit of the and we urge them, we call on them to be sure that they do their proper due diligence and they act in the interests of our national development and they act in the interests of the future of our telecommunication sector in the country.”

The proposed acquisition cannot be finalized solely through the approval of BTL’s Board. It remains subject to continued due diligence, contractual negotiations and the regulatory process.  Social-partner organizations have called on the PUC to publish its assessment of the possible effects of the transaction and invite public feedback before making a determination. BTL, meanwhile, maintains that the acquisition could produce operational efficiencies, improve services and strengthen the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.