The Universal Service Fund (USF) has restored 24 community Wi-Fi sites across St. Ann at an investment of $50 million, marking its largest single Wi-Fi installation to date. Officially launched during the Connec’ Di North Coast Tour in Ocho Rios on October 30, the expanded network provides free internet access across communities including Ocho Rios, St. Ann’s Bay and Brown’s Town.

The initiative is expected to support residents, students, vendors, tourism operators and visitors by improving digital access while reducing data costs. With the restoration completed in St. Ann, the USF has now conducted Wi-Fi launches in six parishes following Hurricane Melissa, reaffirming its commitment to reconnecting communities and expanding access to reliable internet services.

https://jis.gov.jm/24-community-wi-fi-sites-restored-in-st-ann-by-usf/

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has restored 23 free public Wi-Fi hotspots across St. Mary at an investment of $50 million, following extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

The restoration is expected to benefit approximately 4,000 residents, providing improved access to internet services for education, business, communication and everyday activities. The initiative forms part of the USF Connec’ Di North Coast Tour and its wider programme to establish 89 Wi-Fi sites across northern Jamaica, benefiting an estimated 47,000 people.

To strengthen the network against future hurricanes, the USF has incorporated satellite technology, including Starlink, and solar-powered systems to improve connectivity and reduce dependence on traditional fibre-optic infrastructure and electricity supplies.

https://jis.gov.jm/usf-restores-wi-fi-hotspots-in-st-mary/

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has restored more than 80 per cent of its 415 public Wi-Fi sites impacted by Hurricane Melissa, representing an investment of approximately $801 million.

While the agency initially targeted full restoration by the hurricane’s first anniversary, progress was delayed by a shortage of specialised contractors and limited supplier capacity.

As part of its ongoing recovery efforts, the USF relaunched 14 free Wi-Fi sites across Trelawny at an investment of approximately $28 million, with restoration activities continuing in eastern Jamaica. The agency has also strengthened its network resilience by incorporating satellite connectivity and solar power at several locations to help maintain service during future disruptions to traditional electricity and fibre-optic infrastructure.

https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/10/30/shortage-contractors-delays-full-restoration-usf-public-wi-fi-network/