Jamaica is closer to achieving its national goal of becoming a digitally connected society due to the progress made by the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) through the National Broadband Initiative (NBI).

To date, Jamaica’s islandwide fibre connectivity surpasses 80 per cent, with 70 schools in the Kingston Metropolitan Region (KMA) and Manchester, all municipal corporations, and all but one parish court connected via fibre.

The latest statistics from the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) for January to March 2022 show a fixed broadband subscription penetration of 15.2 per cent, a mobile broadband subscription penetration rate of 64.0, and a total broadband subscription penetration rate of 79.2 per cent. The figure has increased since the report’s release to over 80 per cent.

Minister of Science, Energy, and Technology Daryl Vaz noted, “One of the main objectives of the NBI is to provide last-mile connectivity to all Jamaicans by 2025. This will facilitate the creation of a modern, digitally connected society that can seamlessly facilitate all aspects of life for Jamaicans. We have made significant headway in phase one of the NBI with the expansion of the fibre network through several partnerships. So far, 174 communities across the country have been connected through free public Wi-Fi hotspots, that means free access to learn and do business for Jamaicans who otherwise would not have access to the Internet,” Vaz noted.

“Second, we are building out an interim fibre network across the country through several partnerships, supported by a robust microwave backbone. These partnerships include arrangements with telecommunication operators, Flow and Digicel; community cable operators, HomeTime, MARS and CTL; and utility providers, Jamaica Public Service Company Limited; the Jamaica North South Highway Company Limited; and the East West Toll Authority,” he said.

Minister Vaz further noted, “I commend all our partners who have contributed to the progress of the NBI thus far. The ministry’s immediate priority for the remainder of phase one is to complete connectivity for all our schools and communities; a process which is well underway.”

In addition to achievements under phase one of the NBI, MSET has started taking steps to facilitate phase two of the programme to expand the country’s existing broadband footprint. Actions taken so far include the submission to and approval by the Public Investment and Management Committee (PIMC) for the phase two project concept.

Jamaica’s national broadband network is scheduled for completion by 2027.