Government Hits Pause on BTL–Speednet Talks

A pause, but not a full stop, on the controversial BTL and Speednet acquisition. Prime Minister John Briceño has now instructed that discussions on the proposed deal be put on hold, as questions and concerns continue to swirl. According to Minister of Public Utilities Michel Chebat, the pause is meant to slow things down, not shut them down. He says the goal is to move carefully, follow the law, and give the public more space to weigh in. While formal talks are on hold, consultations will continue, both with the public and behind the scenes at the BTL and Social Security Board levels. And once those boards give their approval, the process heads to the Public Utilities Commission, which, the minister says, must also be given time to fully review and deliberate the matter. So, what does this pause really mean for the future of the deal? Here’s the Minister of Public Utilities.

 

Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities

“I rise with your permission to address this honorable house and members of the public on the matter concerning the proposed acquisition of Smart by BTL. 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 their 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 the reviewed by the Public utilities Commission which is the independent body mandated to regulate the telecommunications sector. The expectation is that 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 consult thoroughly, 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 began 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 consumers are fully protected. Our role is to preempt or substitute the role 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 clearly 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 interest of consumers and the national interest will remain paramount.”