24 Community Wi-Fi Sites Restored in St. Ann by USF

Residents across St. Ann can now go online for free, as the Universal Service Fund (USF) has restored 24 community Wi-Fi sites throughout the parish.

The $50-million project marks the single largest Wi-Fi set-up by the 21-year-old entity, to date.

The network was switched on at the ‘USF’s Connec’ Di North Coast Road Tour’ in Ocho Rios, on Friday, October 30, and comes just one year after Hurricane Melissa disrupted services across the island.

Chief Executive Officer of the USF, Charlton McFarlane, said the agency is committed to getting the people back online.

“The one in Ocho Rios spans from the town centre all the way down to Island Village. It covers the craft market as well. Basically, from you touch anywhere in the vicinity of Ocho Rios, you’re connected, and we know that connectivity is key, especially in this digital age,” Mr. McFarlane explained.

Outside of Ocho Rios, the sites reach into St. Ann’s Bay, Brown’s Town, Parry Town, Steer Town, Mansfield Heights and Middle Buxton.

The network also extends to Edge Hill, Exchange, Fowler Town, Gibraltar, Glasgow, Golden Grove, John Reid, Madras, Mount Zion, Orange Hill, Seville Heights, Saint D’Acre, Thickets, Hessen Castle, Buckfield, Cave Valley and Windsor.

Mr. McFarlane pointed out that the restoration brings to six, the number of parishes in which the USF has completed Wi-Fi launches following Hurricane Melissa.

“The USF also pays the monthly bill to keep the internet turned on. So please, take care of the resource, protect it because it is yours. It is the Government’s gift to the people of St. Ann,” Mr. McFarlane outlined.

In the meantime, Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, welcomed the expansion of free public Wi-Fi in Ocho Rios and the wider parish.

He indicated that access had previously been concentrated around the town centre and clock area, but that the expanded coverage can now help vendors and JUTA drivers connect with tourists and promote their services, give visitors a way to contact family, and help students get online for homework.

He also noted that residents could save on data costs while using Wi-Fi in the town.

One resident and beneficiary, Rihanna Lewin, said she supports USF providing free Wi Fi at 24 town-centre locations, adding that it will help people who find mobile data expensive as well as those who have unreliable data connection when they are away from home.

“I feel very good. I think there are persons who are impoverished and this is how we [help] people. So, I think it’s a very good initiative,” Ms. Lewin underscored.