KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Digicel Jamaica says it has remained steadfast in its mission to reconnect Jamaica, working around the clock to restore services and support communities across the island.

In a media release Wednesday, Digicel said it has been driving steady progress in bringing customers back online.

According to Digicel, to date, approximately 57 per cent of its mobile sites have been restored to operation which serves 80 per cent of mobile users. On its Fibre to Home network, 89 per cent of residential customers have regained service, alongside 75 per cent of business customer points of presence (POPs).

Digicel said significant progress has been made across several parishes, particularly in the western region, which was among the hardest hit by Melissa.

“Recently, connectivity has been restored in communities such as Christiana, Chudleigh, Walderston, Spur Tree, Alligator Pond and Mile Gully in Manchester; Santa Cruz, Junction, Munro, Dunder Hill, Leeds, Retrieve, Balaclava, Goshen, Ballards Valley and Bull Savannah in St Elizabeth; Cave Hill, Higgintown, Aboukir Woods and the Ocho Rios Town Centre in St Ann; and Bull Head, Rock River, Crofts Hill, Sunbury and Mocho in Clarendon.

Digicel field teams in Mobay repair damaged fibre and equipment to bring residential and business users back online

Other western communities in St James and Trelawny have also been reconnected. Further west, Hanover communities including Hopewell and Sandy Bay are now online, and in Westmoreland, Negril residents have had service restored.

On the eastern end of the island, Portland has seen connectivity return in Windsor, Nonsuch, Dragon Bay and Charles Town, while St Thomas residents in Dalvey and Duckenfield are also connected.

Progress continues in St Catherine, with Gutters, Spring Village and Hill Run reconnected, and in Kingston, Alorica on Halfway Tree Road, Kirkland Heights and Panton Avenue are back online.

Digicel said its teams remain focused on keeping communities connected until full restoration is achieved.

“Crews are refuelling generator-powered sites, repairing damaged equipment and restoring fibre lines. Digi-Bus mobile units are also supporting communities where power and access are limited. Teams have also been conducting aerial assessments to survey damaged infrastructure, identify access challenges caused by hurricane debris, and develop strategies for safely reaching and repairing critical sites,” said Digicel in its release.

The company said while restoring connectivity remains its primary focus, it has also been deeply engaged on the humanitarian front.

“Teams have been on the ground in St James, Trelawny, Manchester, Montego Bay and St Elizabeth, helping families who had been cut off for days reconnect with loved ones through satellite calls.

“Through a partnership with the Digicel Foundation, more than 1,800 care packages have been distributed, and charging stations have been set up to support those in need. In Falmouth, one mother was able to speak with her daughter for the first time since the hurricane, assuring her that, despite losing much, she was safe. For many, hearing a familiar voice after days of silence was an emotional moment that reignited the team’s own sense of purpose to keep families connected,” the company added in its release.

In the meantime, CEO of Digicel Jamaica Stephen Murad said, “Our teams are working relentlessly with one mission in mind. Reconnecting Jamaica is our sole focus every minute of every day. The progress we have made reflects the dedication of our employees who have been on the ground since day one, supporting communities and restoring service.

“We know how important communication is during a time like this. We will not stop until every customer is back online, and we are committed to keeping Jamaicans informed throughout the recovery.”

According to Murad, efforts continue islandwide, with teams navigating challenging terrain in Hanover, Westmoreland, Negril and Trelawny, while pushing further into central and eastern communities.

“Technicians are progressing along key corridors from Falmouth to Montego Bay and onward to Negril, ensuring that more areas regain connectivity as quickly as possible. Customers can stay informed through SMS alerts, social media updates and radio broadcasts. Digicel encourages the public to follow its official channels for further updates. Anchored in Jamaica’s road to recovery, the company remains steadfast, moving full steam ahead in supporting national relief and rebuilding efforts,” added Murad.