The debate on the privatization of some public enterprises in Belgium has been reopened. Pros and cons seem to be inspired by ideological and political imperatives rather than by scientific considerations. The way in which similar debates were carried out during Belgian history, highlights some features of the actual debate. This paper traces back the way in which the tensions between thepublic and the private sectors have been approached and regulated. This historical analysis points to some inconsistensies and shortcomings of actual opinions on telecommunications regulation in Belgium, and more generally to the social function of telecommunications in contemporary society.