PUC Freezes BTL Prices Until 2028 As It Reviews Smart Buyout

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced two major developments in Belize’s telecommunications sector.

The most recent is a transitional tariff freeze on Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) after the commission declared the company a dominant operator in the telecommunications market earlier this week. The freeze took effect on March 11, 2026, and will remain in place until December 31, 2028.

Under the Belize Telecommunications (Transitional Tariff Freezing) Regulations 2026, BTL’s tariffs must stay at current levels and cannot be changed without PUC approval. The freeze applies to bundled services, subscriber migration, and the introduction of new tariffs or services.

“This tariff freeze is intended to maintain price stability while the Commission implements the broader regulatory framework arising from its market dominance determination,” the PUC stated in its press release.

Alongside the tariff freeze, the Commission is reviewing the proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited (SCL) by BTL. The proposal, submitted on February 10, 2026, consolidates earlier presentations made in January and is still pending approval from BTL’s Board of Directors. 

The PUC has raised several questions about the deal, requiring both BTL and SCL to respond by April 13, 2026. These questions focus on consumer protection, service continuity, corporate strategy, financial soundness, and market fairness.

“The PUC considers it necessary for BTL and SCL to formally respond to these questions to aid the Commission’s further deliberations,” the release added.

The Commission is also inviting customers and the public to submit written comments on the proposed acquisition by April 13.