An air of gratitude filled Half-Way Tree in St Andrew last week as the Universal Service Fund (USF) prepared to officially launch its Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi initiative.

As the hustle and bustle of Half-Way Tree carried on around them, locals beamed with excitement, already tapping into the power of free internet access.

“Everything mi a do pon di Wi-Fi!” exclaimed Karene, a commuter, as she spoke with infectious energy. “When mi money come from Western Union mi can look it and collect it… Talk to mi daughter, any little thing at all me can do with mi free Wi-Fi. I’m so glad.”

For many, like Karene, the new Connect Ja network is more than just convenience—it’s a lifeline. It opens up real-time access to family, finances, and opportunity.

Tamara, who works as a janitor at HTech in the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre, said the free connection makes a world of difference for her communication.

“I like it ‘cause hear what, I don’t have any credit and sometimes my baby [can] call me and now I can talk to my baby, and I love it,” she said.

At the same time, commuter Marlon shared that “A good thing dem [the USF] a do!”

He revealed how he uses the Wi-Fi to stay informed and entertained while on the move.

“Mi scroll, mi read news, mi laugh. All mi affi seh, a good thing dem (USF) a do and keep it up,” said Marlon.

And for Shanice, it’s not just about entertainment, it’s about staying connected when networks fail.

“To be honest, it is very important. [I] really appreciate that you guys [are] coming around and doing the free Wi-Fi. Not everybody can afford data,” Shanice explained.

Even vendors in the area are welcoming the change, understanding how much it means to their customers. Kenesia, a nearby vendor, smiled and said, “I’m happy for those who (are) happy to receive it.”

The Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi project, powered by the USF, aims to bridge the digital divide across Jamaica by installing public internet access points in high-traffic locations. Half-Way Tree is just the latest on the list with over 60 access points spanning the entire area, but the energy at the launch proves how needed and appreciated it is.

The launch event took place on Friday, April 25, 2025, and featured a wide range of performances —from Jesse Royal to Chi Ching Ching — as well as appearances by Parliamentary officials.

With a total of over 30 sites island-wide, the Connect Ja initiative is part of a broader effort by the USF to ensure that all Jamaicans can benefit from the digital revolution, fostering innovation and economic growth throughout the country.

The Universal Service Fund is an Agency under the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport mandated to ensure access to information and communication tools to facilitate development. In 2005, the USF began operation as the Universal Access Fund Company Limited following a Ministerial Order which mandated that all domestic telecommunications providers are obligated to collect a universal service levy on all inbound telephone calls.