USF Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Communities

The Universal Service Fund’s (USF) mission to bridge the digital divide is being strongly felt in deep rural communities, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Daniel Dawes.

The CEO, who was speaking during a recent community Wi-Fi launch in Mount Peace, Hanover, said the USF has successfully implemented numerous projects in rural communities to deliver free broadband service.

He noted that the transformational endeavour has been profoundly impactful on countless Jamaicans, while unlocking new opportunities and levelling the playing field for socio-economic growth.

“At a time when connectivity is increasingly vital for economic growth and social development, the USF has seen the need to give deep rural communities the same kind of access the people in the big cities have,” Dr. Dawes said.

He added that the initiative is empowering locals, fostering educational opportunities, spurring economic growth, and transforming lives.

For his part, USF Financial Controller, Andrew McRae, who also spoke during the ceremony, reiterated that, to date, the USF has established approximately 119 public Wi-Fi sites islandwide, with five more slated to come on stream before the end of fiscal year 2023/24.

He said the USF is also involved in several other engagements under which the agency provides internet access for schools, post offices, libraries, hospitals, among other public institutions.

Mr. McRae pointed out that under the National Broadband Initiative, “the USF is estimated… and budgeted to spend approximately $1.2 billion per year, with an expectation that within three years… Jamaica will be covered by a ring that provides internet service to all public institutions”.

He noted that one of the significant achievements of USF has been the establishment of Wi-Fi hotspots in educational institutions across rural areas.

This, Mr. McRae said, has led to improved academic performance, increased digital literacy, and a greater sense of empowerment among the youth.

Hanover Western Member of Parliament (MP), Tamika Davis, who endorsed Mr. McRae’s sentiments, emphasised the importance of Wi-Fi service to communities like Mount Peace, noting “it is well known that, currently, the internet has become a household element that we must all have”.

“We must also show our appreciation [for internet access], considering that there was a time when deep rural communities were not so fortunate. So therefore, we must do our best to take care of the free Wi-Fi facility and use it wisely. While we have it, while we understand the importance of it, and while we know it is free, we also have to appreciate this gift from the USF,” she said.

“The basic lesson here is that you have to use it with care, understand how you interact and with whom you interact. Whereas rural communities are always slow in getting benefits, making internet access available in these rural communities of Hanover will be uplifting for them,” the MP further stated

The USF is an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, which is mandated is to ensure access to information and communications technology tools that facilitate socioeconomic development.