Sounding Off: Belizeans React to BTL’s Buyout Rejection
Cabinet has made its decision, unions have made their position clear, but what about the people who pay the phone bills? Following Thursday’s announcement that government will not support BTL’s proposed acquisition of Speednet, News Five went to the streets of Belize City to hear directly from Belizeans. Do they agree with Cabinet’s move, or do they believe the deal should have gone through? While unions are celebrating and pushing for BTL’s board to reverse its approval, ordinary citizens are weighing in on what competition, choice, and telecom prices mean to them. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.
On the Phone: Prime Minister John Briceño (File: August 13th, 2026)
“There is a general consensus that while this makes good business sense, Cabinet felt that it does not make sense to be able to get into a back and forth with people that refuse to engage constructively. So we felt that it is best to advice BTL that we should not proceed with the merger.”
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Government has said no to BTL’s proposed takeover of Speednet, ending months of debate and backlash. Many argued the deal would weaken competition and leave customers with fewer choices. But beyond the unions, opposition, and social partners, what do regular Belizeans think? Today in Belize City, one resident told us he supports Cabinet’s decision. His reason was simple: people need options. He says real competition means better service, better prices, and more power for customers.
Belize City Resident 1
Belize City Resident 1
“Yeah dat no right I mean, people supposed to be determine what they want. Pick and choose whatever they want then decide. Yo no supposed to force down one.”
Britney Gordon
“Have options.”
Belize City Resident 1
“Yes. Have options. Definitely.”
Another customer told us he uses both SMART and Digicell SIM cards, and while he prefers having options, he says he would simply have to adjust if BTL acquired SMART.
Belize City Resident 2
Belize City Resident 2
“Da confusion with me then, I no weh fi do, I wa follow like what he said. Follow the leader. That da it.”
One Belize City resident, who relies solely on SMART, says he hopes government stands firm on its decision.
Belize City Resident 3
Belize City Resident 3
“SMART da did best.”
Britney Gordon
“Let’s say SMART mi get buy out and ney noh got no SMART no mo, how you mi wa feel?”
Belize City Resident 3
“Bad.”
One woman says government made the right call by listening to the people.
Belize City Resident 4
Belize City Resident 4
“I think good because I usually use SMART any time I de home da SMART I use.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you think that this was a good choice that the government made to loisten to the public?”
Belize City Resident 4
‘Well, what the people decide.”
Another citizen says he still worries the decision may not last, but he is relieved that, at least for now, the buyout has been stopped.
Belize City Resident 5
Belize City Resident 5
“We need an opposition inna these companies so they won’t be monopolized. So it won’t be either take it or leave it.”
Several customers said they were unaware of the proposed acquisition, but felt relieved to learn it had not gone through. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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