PM Says Cabinet Considering Media as Essential Service in Telecom Law

Prime Minister John Briceño says Cabinet is actively considering amendments to telecommunications regulations that would formally recognize media houses as an essential service, a move he says would protect broadcasters and news outlets from arbitrary or politically motivated service disruptions.  The issue surfaced following public claims by BTL’s Chairman suggesting that the recent interruption of telephone and internet services to Channel 7 was due to unpaid bills. That assertion was later contradicted by a letter sent to the media house, which stated the disconnection was the result of a service error and confirmed there were no arrears on the account.  The incident has fueled broader concerns about the potential risks to media freedom if Belize were to return to a telecommunications monopoly, particularly whether media houses could be vulnerable to denials or disruptions of critical services.  Speaking to reporters yesterday, Prime Minister Briceño sought to clarify what transpired and stressed that the government has no intention of targeting media entities based on their editorial stance.

Under the proposed approach, while media houses would still be required to pay for services, telecom providers would be obligated to follow a clear process, including adequate notice, before any disconnection could occur. Briceño said this would provide reassurance that media outlets will not be sanctioned or silenced through sudden service interruptions./