BTL Pitches SMART Takeover to Business LeadersDays after protesters gathered outside Belize Telemedia Limited’s headquarters in Belize City to oppose its proposed acquisition of Speednet (Smart), the company sat down with business leaders in a closed‑door consultation to defend the deal. Executives from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Belize Business Bureau (BBB) were told the merger would combine “duplicated assets” and create what BTL calls a stronger national network. BTL says the deal would include more reliable service and expanded coverage. Voices in opposition, however, argue that the buyout could shrink competition and hand BTL a monopoly over the telecom industry. BTL CEO Ivan Tesucum said the goal is to “increase digital inclusion” and that the deal would “strengthen infrastructure” while “safeguard[ing] national interest.”