The National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) has launched a vigorous campaign against Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Speednet/SMART, characterizing the potential merger as a threat to educational equity and youth development. The student organization issued an official declaration on February 6, 2026, asserting that the consolidation would establish a telecommunications monopoly with detrimental consequences for Belize’s younger generation.
The union’s position paper outlines multiple areas of concern, emphasizing that the proposed market consolidation would likely result in increased service costs, diminished innovation incentives, and reduced consumer options. The statement particularly highlights how these market changes would adversely affect educational accessibility, noting that reliable and affordable internet connectivity has become indispensable for academic research, digital learning platforms, and career development opportunities.
Beyond economic considerations, the NSUB criticized the decision-making process itself, noting the conspicuous absence of youth representation during consultation phases. The union characterized this oversight as particularly troubling given that young people constitute one of the most affected demographics. Their declaration emphasized: ‘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 student body has formally petitioned the Government of Belize, the Public Utilities Commission, and relevant regulatory authorities to outright reject the acquisition proposal. They demand robust protection of market competition and insist on comprehensive public consultations, specifically including youth representation, before any regulatory decisions are finalized. The NSUB’s statement concluded with a firm commitment to oppose any proceedings that ‘subvert the democratic nature of our country, bypassing public input and transparency in favour of concentrated corporate control.’