The Universal Service Fund (USF) rolled out a mobile Wi-Fi and charging station in Montpelier, Hanover, on November 7, to provide critical connectivity support for residents impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Charlton McFarlane, told JIS News that the agency’s community Wi-Fi infrastructure sustained significant damage when Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, disrupting services across several parishes. As a result, the USF deployed its mobile unit to ensure that residents could stay connected during the recovery phase.
The mobile station offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, device charging, and a stable connection for residents who need to access emergency updates, reach family members, complete online transactions, or communicate with support agencies. This intervention is part of the Fund’s ongoing national response to restore connectivity in the hardest-hit communities.
Mr. McFarlane noted that the USF team is currently conducting assessments islandwide to determine the full extent of the damage and will continue rolling out temporary solutions, including Starlink-supported services and additional mobile units, until permanent infrastructure can be restored.
He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to ensuring Connectivity for All, emphasizing that access to reliable internet is an essential service, particularly following a disaster of this scale.
Looking ahead, the USF will continue to work closely with national stakeholders, local leadership, and community groups to accelerate connectivity restoration efforts across Jamaica. As communities rebuild, the Fund remains focused on delivering resilient, future-ready ICT solutions that strengthen disaster response and support long-term digital inclusion. Through these efforts, the USF is ensuring that no community is left behind as the nation recovers and moves forward.