Partnership would expedite broadband to unserved and underserved communities

Rock Connect, Jamaica’s third licensed telecommunications provider, has signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to provide market expertise to support the build out of its network in the island.

In addition, Rock Connect’s partnership with the IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, would expedite provision of broadband to Jamaica’s unserved and underserved communities. Leveraging its global expertise, the IFC will provide early-stage, project preparation support to Rock Connect.

IFC has supported multiple broadband connectivity providers around the world and has a deep understanding of the local market. Rock Connect was selected to be Jamaica’s third national telecommunications provider following an international bidding process in early 2021.

Rock Connect is investing approximately US$90 million (JM$13 billion) to build Jamaica’s most advanced wireless data network with an anticipated launch in late 2022. The company says it is building Jamaica’s most advanced wireless data network so that Jamaicans can benefit from high quality, reliable and affordable internet access, supported by world-class customer service.

Solid partnership between Rock Connect and IFC

Bruce Bowen, executive chairman of Rock Connect, characterises this partnership as a strong endorsement of its mission to increase internet penetration in Jamaica, thanking the IFC for their confidence in Rock Connect and their support for our mission to provide high quality, reliable and affordable broadband service to connect Jamaicans to opportunities available online today.

According to him, the “IFC’s global expertise in digital infrastructure, telecommunications and experience supporting new entrants in developing markets will help us deliver better solutions to Jamaicans”.

Judith Green, IFC country manager for the Caribbean, said that, the organisation “is extremely proud to be partnering with Rock Connect, bringing our global experience in broadband to Jamaica. IFC is well positioned to support the Caribbean in expanding digital connectivity and innovative technologies, which can support inclusive growth, economic stability and improved quality of life”.

Jamaica lags the English-speaking Caribbean in terms of broadband access and internet penetration. This connectivity gap has had a significant impact on children’s education, access to digital financial services, digital health services and the ability of Jamaicans to ‘work from home’ over the past two years.

A recently released study by a major US-based development institution noted that this connectivity gap is having a significant negative impact on Jamaica’s economic growth.