Open letter to BTL and PUC:
I am aware that BTL has restrictions on the use of VoIP such as Skype and Vonage.
As I have indicated to BTL, and as I am sure you are well aware, Belize with its proximity to the US and its highly literate English speaking populace has immense potential for offshore businesses such as offshore telemarketing centers. It is a billion dollar industry in India, yet India is a continent away and on a completely different time zone. However, without a suitable telecommunications infrastructure and the ability to make inexpensive overseas calls to the US and elsewhere, businesses both Belizean and foreign have no chance of competing in a global marketplace.
The lawful allowance of VoIp and the focus on developing the broadband infrastructure to support such services should be the goal of BTL. Not impeding technology and the benefits it will bring to to Belizeans (and perhaps myself). With very little relative cost and with very major benefits, BTL could provide WiMax and its own VoIp services, effectively giving every Belizean access to high speed internet access and international communication capabilities. Not to mention a major revenue stream in monthly access fees to BTL. Of course, the revenue stream of international calls will diminish, but the revenues from internet access and a globally competitive marketplace will, in the long run, far outweigh the costs.
I might add from a historic perspective, how much money countries such as the US have invested in what now appears to be an obsolete telecommunication infrastructure, namely copper wire and telephone lines. Belize has the opportunity to start relatively fresh in a completely new world of telecommunications and avoid the obsolsence that other countries had to go through to get to this point.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
