Espat Rejects Claims BTL Merger Isn’t Monopoly

So where does Minister Julius Espat stand on the argument coming from within his own Cabinet that the BTL‑Speednet merger won’t create a monopoly? Public Utilities Minister Michel Chebat has said there are more than twenty internet providers operating in Belize, but Espat doesn’t agree. He says no matter how you look at it, the merger would still amount to a monopoly, and his position is clear: when it comes to protecting consumers, competition is always the better option.

 

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing

“Locally yes, you can’t run away from that concept. You are arguing about two separate things. On the international level you won’t have a monopoly. But at a local level you do. People have a concern. The media says, I am concerned because if you have government dominated telecommunications they can put a target on my back and I won’t be able to function. More or less I understood that. That is a valid point and we have to listen to that. And if it is done then we need to put in legislation to ensure that does not happen. The consumers are concerned and said if BTL gave me bad service but if the price alright I will consider to go to the guy that gave me a better service but a little or more expensive. You have an option. With what is happening, you won’t have an option. And I believe that option is always a good thing. But it is just a personal opinion. That is how I look a things. Everybody has a different point of view, that is why consultation is important. If you speak with anybody from BTL they are ground hoe and convinced that it is the best things since toast bread. If you speak with people outside, they are worried. But everything in life that comes with change people are worried. That is human nature.”

 

Espat maintains that at the local level the merger would still create a monopoly, warning that consumers could lose choice and stressing that open consultation is key before any final decision is made.