BTL Says Speednet Deal “Still Under Review”

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has formally addressed escalating tensions surrounding its potential acquisition of Speednet, issuing dual statements on Tuesday following a protest that turned disruptive outside its Belize City headquarters. The demonstration, spearheaded by opposition figures and union representatives, culminated in what the telecommunications provider labeled as ‘unlawful trespass’ into company premises.

In its initial communiqué, BTL strongly condemned protester conduct that allegedly compromised safety for employees, visitors, and customers. The company clarified that contrary to circulating claims, its board meeting focused exclusively on human resources matters—specifically implementing the Caribbean Court of Justice’s November 2025 severance ruling—rather than finalizing the Speednet transaction.

A subsequent detailed statement emphasized that the proposed acquisition remains under rigorous evaluation through established legal and regulatory channels. BTL underscored its commitment to transparent stakeholder engagement, revealing ongoing consultations with unions, opposition parties, and the Public Utilities Commission. The company framed its assessment criteria around national interest considerations, highlighting potential benefits including enhanced digital infrastructure, expanded internet accessibility, and improved service reliability.

Reinforcing its corporate citizenship, BTL referenced substantial contributions to Belize’s development—over $3 million in social-impact initiatives, 150+ secondary school scholarships, complimentary internet for non-profits, and $17 million invested in network infrastructure over the past five years. Any final decision, the company affirmed, will prioritize regulatory compliance and citizen welfare.