Free Wi-Fi for All: Jamaica’s Digital Leap Forward

In a vibrant ceremony at Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, key figures gathered to unveil a sign marking the launch of free public Wi-Fi service. Among them were Daniel Dawes, CEO of the Universal Service Fund (USF); Dr. Gujan Mansing, chairman; Mayor Homer Davis; Technology Minister Fayval Williams; and Custos of St. James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the community celebrated this significant step toward digital inclusion.

Connecting Communities

Jamaica is on a mission to bridge the digital divide, and the Universal Service Fund’s Connect-Jamaica Public Wi-Fi Programme is leading the charge. Recently, hotspots were installed in bustling areas like Half-Way Tree and Papine—University Square in St. Andrew, as well as Mandeville, Kingston’s Waterfront, and Cross Roads. Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, Daryl Vaz, shared this news during his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

“This means that citizens across the length and breadth of Jamaica are not too far away from publicly-provided Wi-Fi,” Vaz emphasized, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Jamaican has access to the internet.

A Growing Network

Since its inception in 2020, the Community Wi-Fi Programme has made remarkable strides. With 315 community hotspots installed across all 63 constituencies, the initiative has served around 235,000 active users. Vaz noted that each constituency received its fifth community Wi-Fi hotspot in the 2024/2025 financial year, showcasing the government’s dedication to expanding digital access.

“Slowly but surely, the digital divide is closing,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of these initiatives in fostering connectivity and opportunity.

Investing in the Future

The USF isn’t stopping at just Wi-Fi. The organization has also invested $210 million in the Technology Advancement Programme, collaborating with the Amber Group and HEART/NSTA Trust. This initiative recently celebrated the graduation of 236 young people, aged 18 to 35, who gained valuable information and communications technology (ICT) skills.

Vaz also highlighted the establishment of 30 ICT clubs in schools, fostering a love for technology among students. The USF hosted its second ICT Club Conference and a four-week coding competition called “Crack the Code,” aimed at youth aged 12 to 21. Participants learned essential skills in HTML, CSS, and Visual Studio Code, preparing them for a tech-savvy future.

Supporting Education

In a bid to nurture the next generation of tech leaders, the USF awarded 12 full scholarships valued at $13 million to high-achieving students pursuing ICT degrees at local universities. This investment in education is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering young Jamaicans.

“Through these strategic initiatives, the Government, through the USF, continues to drive digital inclusion,” Vaz stated, emphasizing the importance of accessible and transformative ICT solutions for all Jamaicans.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Jamaica embraces this digital revolution, the question remains: how will these advancements shape the future of our communities? With free public Wi-Fi and a focus on education and skills development, the possibilities are endless. The journey toward a more connected Jamaica is just beginning, and the excitement in the air is palpable. Will you be part of this digital transformation?