By: Omar Silva – Editor/Publisher

National Perspective Belize – Digital 2026

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

Belize City: Wednesday 4th February 2026

It is now undeniable: what began as a sweeping telecom consolidation narrative has shriveled into a deceptive power grab. With new revelations from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and mounting resistance from independent senators, union leaders, and concerned Belizeans, the purported BTL-led acquisition of SMART has been exposed for what it truly is: a backdoor monopolization of Belize’s telecom sector under the false guise of national interest.

The Collapse of the Original Consortium

The original application, once hyped as a strategic unification of telecom services by five companies—Belize Telemedia Ltd (BTL), Speednet (SMART), Centaur, Southern Cable, and NEXGEN—has now disintegrated. Three of the five entities have pulled out. The PUC has made it clear: a new application is required. This is not a mere formality. It’s an admission that the original deal is dead, and what remains is a reshaped attempt by BTL to swallow SMART alone.

PUC’s Legal Bombshell

More explosively, the PUC’s own legal counsel, Stacy Grinage, has stated unequivocally that any agreement signed between BTL and Speednet prior to regulatory approval is illegal. This confirms the darkest suspicion: that the deal may already have been inked, in secret, and that the parties involved were attempting to retroactively sanitize a fait accompli. If true, this would not only violate the Telecommunications Act but expose the state-owned BTL to lawsuits, regulatory sanctions, and public backlash.

The Dominance Report: BTL Already Has the Power

Buried beneath the headlines is the most damning evidence of all: a year-long market dominance study by the PUC found that BTL already dominates Belize’s telecom landscape. With 70% of the mobile market, controlling infrastructure, bandwidth, and pricing leverage, BTL is not a struggling national champion—it is already the apex predator.

The removal of SMART would not level the playing field; it would eliminate the playing field entirely.

Senators Speak Truth to Power

In a rare show of nonpartisan defiance, independent senators have demanded full transparency and accountability. Senator Glenfield Dennison summed it up best: “Everything consumers gained from competition—bonus data, lower rates, better service—came from SMART. This deal erases all of that."

Senator Janelle Chanona, representing the NGO community, questioned why the PUC has not already dismissed the application outright, given that BTL is already dominant and the merger contradicts the purpose of the Act.

The Absurd Logic of the Belize Business Bureau

Perhaps the most disturbing development is the statement issued by the Belize Business Bureau, which openly claimed that “competition destroys profits.” In one stroke, this group has abandoned the principles of free enterprise, consumer protection, and market innovation. They have declared loyalty to cartel economics over public interest.

Such a declaration does not deserve rebuttal. It deserves public condemnation.

Public Resistance Is Working

The PUC’s admission that it has not approved any deal and is awaiting a new application is not a victory of good governance. It is the result of relentless public resistance:

Protests organized by the NTUCB.

Investigative journalism from this platform and others.

The vocal objection of independent and social partner senators.

The government and its proxies hoped to ram through this deal under the radar. Belizeans pushed back.

What Happens Now?

As the country waits for BTL to submit a new acquisition proposal, the following must happen:

The PUC must reject any new application that hands BTL exclusive control of mobile and fixed-line services.

The National Trade Union Congress, Chamber of Commerce, and NGOs must mobilize to protect consumers and prevent another state-controlled monopoly.

The Senate must demand a full public hearing on the legality, necessity, and consequences of the proposed deal.

Conclusion: No Monopoly in the People’s Name

BTL is not the underdog. It is already the giant. If this monopoly is allowed to form, it will crush the last remnants of consumer choice, price fairness, and technological progress in Belize.

This shrinking deal, born of deceit and driven by insider interests, must be stopped cold.

Not in six months. Not when it’s convenient. Now.