分类： business

BELMOPAN, BELIZE – January 20, 2026 – Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) executives underwent extensive deliberations with the Cabinet today regarding their proposed acquisition of Speednet. The high-stakes presentation lasted over three hours as BTL leadership detailed their consolidation strategy before government officials.

This meeting represents the latest phase in BTL’s comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, which has included discussions with the Social Security Board, the Communications Workers’ Union, and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB). Following the lengthy session, Cabinet officials announced they would withhold final judgment until BTL completes its full consultation round with all relevant parties.

BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga expressed confidence following the presentation, stating the team effectively addressed governmental concerns regarding the telecommunications merger. “I think it went very well,” Lizarraga told reporters. “Cabinet was very engaged. They had numerous questions, and we provided thorough explanations for our proposed consolidation.”

The chairman emphasized that as a nationally-owned utility, any benefits derived from the merger would ultimately serve the Belizean public. Lizarraga outlined the strategic rationale, noting that eliminating redundant infrastructure and operational inefficiencies would enhance revenue generation capabilities while strengthening Belize’s digital infrastructure.

When questioned about mounting pressure from social partners demanding his resignation, Lizarraga remained defiant, stating he serves at the pleasure of the Prime Minister rather than responding to external stakeholders. The chairman maintained unwavering confidence that his presentation resonated positively with Cabinet members, citing the engaged nature of the extended discussion.

In a significant policy shift, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has officially reclassified media organizations as essential services. Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga announced the decision on January 20, 2026, directly addressing recent concerns about potential censorship through service disconnections.

The classification change follows a contentious incident where Channel 7 was mistakenly disconnected due to an automated billing system error. Lizarraga confirmed the company had issued a formal apology letter to the media outlet after reviewing internal records that verified the erroneous disconnection.

Under the new essential service designation, media houses will now receive personalized courtesy calls from BTL before any potential disconnection for nonpayment occurs. This procedural overhaul represents a departure from the company’s fully automated billing system, which previously disconnected services automatically upon payment delinquency without human intervention.

Lizarraga emphasized that the policy adjustment aims to safeguard information flow rather than restrict it. “It is not the policy of government and it is not the policy of BTL to unplug anybody,” he stated during the announcement, acknowledging the serious concerns raised by media representatives.

The essential service category already includes hospitals, police departments, and other critical infrastructure entities that receive special billing considerations. Media organizations will now join these prioritized services, ensuring continuous operation even during billing disputes or administrative delays.

This development comes one week after three major media outlets held a press conference expressing concerns about potential censorship through utility disconnections, indicating BTL’s responsive approach to these apprehensions.

The Belizean government is taking preemptive measures to protect telecommunications consumers amid ongoing discussions about potential industry consolidation. Public Utilities Minister Michel Chebat has clarified the government’s position regarding a proposed Statutory Instrument that would freeze telecom rates during any transitional period.

Minister Chebat emphasized that the preparation of this regulatory framework does not indicate a finalized decision on the widely discussed merger of telephone companies. “Cabinet has not made a position,” Chebat stated during recent discussions. “We are waiting for the process to take place. We understand there are some consultations going on and we want to allow that to happen first.”

The proposed legislation, currently being prepared by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), would establish consumer protections including a prohibition on rate increases, changes to service bundles, and unauthorized subscriber transfers between rate plans during any transition. The instrument must pass through the Attorney General’s office before reaching Cabinet for approval.

Chebat characterized the measure as prudent regulatory preparation rather than an endorsement of consolidation. “As the regulator, I think PUC has to prepare for every eventuality,” he explained, noting that the proposal is already being publicly discussed. This approach suggests the government is maintaining a neutral position while ensuring consumer interests are protected regardless of industry developments.

The clarification comes following a presentation to Cabinet by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), which Chebat described as “thorough” but insufficient to form a government position without further consultation processes.

A sophisticated credit card fraud operation originating from within Belize’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is systematically draining thousands of dollars from local businesses, according to an explosive investigation. In an unprecedented disclosure, a terminated BPO employee has come forward anonymously to detail the intricate mechanics of this widespread scam, speaking only after the business he defrauded cleared his outstanding debt.

The former agent, whose identity remains protected, revealed how call center employees exploit varying security protocols across different BPO facilities to harvest sensitive payment information. While some centers employ advanced PCI compliance measures that automatically mask customer data, others maintain inadequate safeguards that enable agents to copy and transfer financial details during live customer interactions.

“The effectiveness of security systems varies dramatically between call centers,” the source explained. “Some utilize number-masking technology that replaces digits with X’s, while others merely mute sensitive information during quality assurance reviews. This creates vulnerabilities that sophisticated agents exploit by simultaneously copying data onto blank pages or utilizing phone applications that automatically sync stolen information to personal devices.”

Despite comprehensive surveillance and supervisory oversight, the former employee described how agents with exemplary performance records and low-profile behavior often evade suspicion. His own termination came only after a defrauded business connected the fraudulent transactions to his activities, though surprisingly no criminal charges were filed.

The scale of data theft appears staggering, with the source admitting to accumulating “lot, lot, lot” of credit card numbers—so many that he lost count. The theft process itself can occur within minutes during routine customer service calls, often disguised as extended customer engagement to verify purchase details.

Perhaps most alarmingly, the stolen financial information has spawned an underground economy within the BPO sector. Agents reportedly use purloined credit cards to purchase group meals for colleagues while pocketing cash payments from coworkers. More disturbingly, this sensitive data is now being traded on the streets, with the source noting that some call center employees with gang affiliations actively participate in these illicit markets, often influenced by what he termed “scamming music” that glorifies financial fraud.

These revelations highlight critical vulnerabilities in Belize’s growing BPO industry and raise urgent questions about data protection standards, employee screening processes, and regulatory oversight as businesses continue absorbing substantial financial losses from these sophisticated operations.

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) formally presented its acquisition proposal for telecommunications provider SpeedNet to the Belizean Cabinet on January 20, 2026. The presentation follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders including the Social Security Board and the Belize Communications Workers’ Union.

Government officials confirmed they will publicly announce their position after BTL completes its ongoing consultation round. The meeting featured detailed discussions about the proposed consolidation’s implications for the nation’s telecommunications landscape.

BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga expressed optimism following the cabinet presentation, stating: “The session progressed exceptionally well with highly engaged cabinet members. We comprehensively addressed their inquiries regarding our strategic rationale and demonstrated how this consolidation would deliver substantial benefits to the Belizean people as primary stakeholders.”

Lizarraga emphasized that since BTL is citizen-owned, any advantages derived from the acquisition would directly benefit Belizeans both as owners and consumers of enhanced telecommunications services.

Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics, characterized the presentation as thorough while clarifying that no definitive decision has been reached. Notably, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is preparing a Statutory Instrument to safeguard consumer interests during any transition period. This regulatory measure would mandate unchanged service rates and bundles, preventing unilateral subscriber plan modifications unless expressly requested.

Addressing monopoly concerns, Minister Chebat highlighted the competitive broadband market, noting approximately 23 other providers currently operate within Belize, suggesting the acquisition wouldn’t establish market dominance.

A sophisticated credit card scam originating from within Belize’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector has been uncovered, causing significant financial losses to local enterprises. News Five has secured an exclusive testimony from a former call center agent directly involved in the fraudulent operations before their termination.

The whistleblower detailed how agents systematically exploit lax enforcement of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). During routine customer service interactions, employees employ simple but effective techniques to capture payment card information while handling live calls.

According to the insider, the stolen data is rapidly transferred to personal mobile devices within minutes of acquisition. This breach occurs during normal service operations, making detection exceptionally difficult for monitoring systems.

An intensive week-long investigation has revealed that compromised card details circulate widely through underground networks. The information fuels various illegal activities including food purchases, street-level sales, and connections to organized gang operations.

Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the crisis on Monday, emphasizing the government’s dual commitment to protecting both the vital BPO industry and affected local businesses. The sector represents a cornerstone of Belize’s economy, employing over 20,000 citizens and generating approximately $150 million in annual revenue.

The government is now implementing enhanced security measures and enforcement protocols to combat the fraud while preserving the integrity of the employment sector that serves as a significant economic contributor to the nation.