PUC seeks public input, and questions BTL and Smart on the proposed acquisition

While the public discourse, debate and speculations have been put on pause over the proposed BTL buy over of Smart, the proper authorities, particularly, the Public Utilities Commission seem to have been doing some groundwork.  Today, the commission issued a press release indicating that it is now welcoming feedback via email from the public over the proposal.  It also indicated that the proposed acquisition is now under regulatory review.  According to the commission, it has received a further submission from Belize Telemedia Limited requesting regulatory review of its proposal to acquire Speednet Communications Limited.  The submission, dated February 10, consolidates earlier presentations made to the Commission on January 8 and 27. According to the filing, the proposed acquisition remains subject to approval by BTL’s Board of Directors, and the regulatory review is being sought ahead of that final corporate authorization. In addition to the regulatory review, the Commission is inviting members of the public to participate in the process. Customers of both telecommunications providers, as well as other interested stakeholders, are encouraged to submit written comments on the proposal.  Those comments must be sent to the Commission by five p.m. on April 13 via email.