Belize Communications Workers Union Opposes Approval For Starlink’s Entrance into Belize’s Internet Market

Starlink, the satellite internet service provider owned by Tesla founder Elon Musk says it’s “coming soon” to Belize. This week it was discovered that the company had quietly applied to the Public Utilities Commission to become a licensed Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Belize. That application is now pending approval. The move has raised major concerns in the country’s telecoms sector, about the possible impact Starlink’s presence will have on local ISPs. The Belize Communications Workers Union, representing employees of Belize Telemedia Limited, has issued a strong letter opposing the application. The union’s letter states, quote, “If the Starlink application is approved, it could have significant negative impacts on the telecom industry, the broader community, and current and future job security in Belize.” End quote. The union also warned that Starlink’s entry into the market would likely impact the government and Social Security Board’s investments in BTL. We spoke with the union this evening, but they declined further comment, pending an official response from the commission. We’ll be following this developing story.