Monopoly Fears Surround Speednet Acquisition

One of the biggest questions hanging over the proposed BTL/Speednet consolidation is whether it would create a telecom monopoly in Belize. Today, we put that concern directly to BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga. He rejected the suggestion, saying BTL is not trying to shut out competitors. According to Lizarraga, other companies could still enter the market and provide telephone services using BTL’s network. He also argues that when it comes to internet service, Belizeans already have options beyond BTL and Speednet.

 

Markhelm Lizarraga, Chairman, BTL

“We are not going to be a monopoly because the law provides for what is called an MVLO. That basically means that you Paul want to open a telephone service for company Paul, you can come to BTL. You will use our network because we have capacity and Paul’s brand can be a brand out there using our backbone. You could come up with your own telephone company. Anybody could do it.

 

Paul Lopez

“Controlled by your system.”

 

Markhelm Lizarraga

“Not controlled. The services are provided by our national infrastructure right. So, that is one. Two, we have the reality now that most people communicate through internet. We have other data companies all over the country.”

 

Minister of Public Utilities Michel Chebat took a similar position earlier this year when questioned about the likelihood of the merger creating a monopoly.

 

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.

 

Watch the full newscast here: