Digicel Jamaica and the Jamaica North-South Highway Company (JNSHC) have entered a strategic underground duct sharing agreement, which both firms are confident marks a significant leap forward in strengthening Jamaica’s telecoms infrastructure.

The shared-duct model minimises repeated roadworks and accelerates the rollout of high-capacity fibre links to business districts, communities, and critical national facilities. Digicel and JNSHC will commence phased construction immediately, prioritising high-demand corridors and vulnerable network routes.

This partnership will accelerate Digicel’s transition to an underground fibre network, improving network resilience, reliability, and service delivery in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

According to Digicel, the newly inked pact represents a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach that significantly reduces deployment timelines and strengthens the resilience of Jamaica’s telecommunications network against future climate-related events.

By leveraging JNSHC’s existing roadway infrastructure, Digicel will be able to install and protect its fibre routes faster, more efficiently, and with reduced environmental impact. Hurricane Melissa caused widespread disruption to the above-ground network assets across the island, underscoring the need for robust, future-proof infrastructure. By transitioning critical fibre routes underground, Digicel is reinforcing its commitment to delivering unmatched reliability, business continuity, and digital accessibility for
customers nationwide.

“Hurricane Melissa reaffirmed the urgent need for Jamaica’s telecoms infrastructure to evolve,” said Stephen Murad, CEO, Digicel Jamaica. He added, “This agreement represents a bold step toward ensuring that Jamaicans have the strong, stable, climate-smart network they deserve, and strengthens our ability to keep Jamaica connected when it matters most.”

Jamaica North-South Highway Company managing director, Daojun Huang, endorsed the agreement as a model for public-private partnerships, “We are proud to partner with Digicel on an initiative that aligns with our mission to build and maintain the highest quality infrastructure.”

“The Jamaica North-South Highway is uniquely positioned to support the safe, efficient deployment of critical utilities, and this demonstrates how shared infrastructure can deliver long-term national benefits and create a more resilient Jamaica.”