1 week ago
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Minister of Public Utilities Michel Chebat today announced a pause in public discourse surrounding the proposed acquisition of Speednet (SMART) by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), emphasizing that the matter must first undergo regulatory scrutiny. Chebat explained that any acquisition of this magnitude must be formally reviewed by the Public Utilities Commission before it can proceed, and only after the Social Security Board and BTL boards consider and approve the proposal in accordance with the law and the best interest of Belizeans. The minister said the recently referenced market dominance study marks the beginning of the regulatory process, with the PUC expected to assess competition implications, consumer protections, and compliance with telecommunications laws before any final decision is made.
Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Logistics and E Governance: “Given the level of public interest and the importance of the telecommunications sector to our economy, it is important that this process proceeds carefully, transparently, and in accordance with the law. The Prime Minister has instructed that there be a pause in discussions related to this matter. This pause is intended to allow the parties involved to further engage the public in a genuine, open, and cordial way, and to ensure that the proper regulatory process is followed. Any proposed acquisition of this nature must first be reviewed by the Public Utilities Commission, which is the independent body mandated to regulate the telecommunication sector. The expectation is that a formal submission of the proposed acquisition will be made to the Public Utilities Commission if and when the boards of the Social Security Board and the Belize Telemedia Limited approve the acquisition allowing the PUC to consultorily deliberate on the pros and cons and make a determination based on evidence, law, and the public interest. Even if this proposed acquisition does not proceed, the PUC has already begun an independent process to determine if BTL is a dominant player in the market and is prepared to make attendant regulations to govern such a scenario to ensure that consumers are fully protected. Our role is not to preempt or substitute the work of the regulator, but to respect and uphold the integrity of the regulatory framework. Issues such as competition, consumer choices, service quality, pricing, and long-term sector sustainability, among other factors, must be carefully examined. The people of Belize must be the ultimate beneficiaries. The government assures Belizeans that this process will be guided by transparency, fairness, and due process. The interests of consumers and the national interests will remain paramount. This government, through the Ministry of Public Utilities, will continue to keep the public informed as this process moves forward.”
Chebat added that once a formal proposal is submitted, if approved by the relevant boards, it will be examined strictly under established regulations to ensure fairness, legality, and protection of the public interest.
English (US) ·