How Will a Telecommunications Monopoly Affect Students?

The National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) is strongly opposing Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Speednet/SMART, warning that the deal could create a monopoly that harms young people.

In a statement, the union said the takeover risks creating a telecommunications monopoly that would jeopardise the futures of Belize’s youth by “driving up costs, stifling innovation, and limiting choices.”

For students, the issue goes beyond business competition. The union stressed that affordable internet and phone services are now essential for education, research, and future job opportunities. A single dominant provider, it warned, could make access more expensive and less reliable.

The students also criticised what they described as a lack of consultation, saying young people were excluded from a decision that will directly affect their daily lives. “It is deeply concerning that this proposal has advanced without meaningful consultation with key stakeholders, including the youth and student communities whose lives it will impact most profoundly,” the statement said.

The union called on the Government of Belize, the Public Utilities Commission, and other authorities to reject the acquisition outright. It said competition must be protected and that the public, especially young people, must be meaningfully consulted before any decision is made.

“Under no circumstances will we support decisions that subvert the democratic nature of our country, bypassing public input and transparency in favour of concentrated corporate control,” the statement read.