In a  move to bridge the digital divide and bring meaningful connectivity to communities across the island, Digicel has partnered with the Universal Service Fund (USF) to support the Connect JA Free Public Wi-Fi Initiative. 

The launch was held at the bustling Half-Way Tree Transport Centre on Friday, April 25, underscoring the programme’s focus on access for all Jamaicans, regardless of background or location.

The initiative is part of the USF’s national drive to increase digital inclusion by installing free public Wi-Fi in towns, parks and high traffic areas island-wide. With internet access now a basic necessity for education, employment, entrepreneurship, and everyday communication, this collaboration between the USF and Digicel couldn’t have come at a better time.

Through this partnership, Digicel is providing secure, high-speed Wi-Fi infrastructure that will empower Jamaicans to access online tools, connect with loved ones, and pursue digital opportunities right from their own communities.

“At Digicel, we believe that being connected is the foundation for opportunity,” said Nicholette McFarlane, Head of Marketing.

“The USF reached out to us because this partnership aligns perfectly with our purpose—keeping Jamaica better connected. Whether it’s a student doing research and preparing for exams, an entrepreneur managing an online business, or a job seeker submitting applications, this initiative helps real people, in real ways, every day,” McFarlane added. 

The Connect JA programme is already making a difference in dozens of communities and will continue to expand in the coming months, with Digicel committed to ensuring the network remains reliable, safe, and accessible for all.

“We’re proud to have partners like Digicel on board with these initiatives, it means we’re capable of doing even more for the people we serve. It’s proven that collaborations like this amplify our reach and allow us to engage communities in deeper, more meaningful ways”, said Dana DeCordova Denton, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the Universal Service Fund.

“This partnership strengthens the USF’s mission to bridge the digital divide, because for us, it’s about more than just connectivity. We’re building a more inclusive, digitally empowered Jamaica,” she further expressed.

The launch event served as a reminder that when public and private entities come together with shared purpose, the results can be transformational. Together, Digicel and the USF are not just offering free internet—they’re opening doors for thousands of Jamaicans to engage, learn, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.