Middle Quarters gets free public Wi-Fi
Middle Quarters in St Elizabeth is the latest community to benefit from free, public Wi- Fi under the Universal Service Fund’s ( USF) Community Wi- Fi Programme.
The secured hotspot, which was officially launched on Friday, will allow residents, including students, to connect to the high-speed service. It can provide Internet access for up to 200 individuals at any one time. The initiative forms part of the Government’s thrust to provide Internet access to 189 underserved and unserved communities across Jamaica. More than 100 such facilities have already been installed.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the Middle Quarters Primary School, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister Floyd Green said the Government is committed to making Jamaica digitally inclusive and one such means is through the provision of universal access to the Internet.
“We decided to choose this area in Middle Quarters because we really wanted it to impact the people,” said Green, who is also the member of parliament for St Elizabeth South West in which Middle Quarters in located.
He noted that the Government recognises the challenges that citizens in some areas face in accessing the Internet as well as paying for the service. As such, he said, the USF has been tasked to go into those areas and provide free access.
“That is how we are going to transform rural Jamaica, by ensuring the citizens have access to services like the Internet without having to leave the comfort of their homes. So, I say to the residents of Middle Quarters, we are here with you and will work to make your life better,” Green said.
For his part, CEO of the USF, Daniel Dawes, indicated that the entity’s impact is far-reaching in St Elizabeth, noting that in addition to benefiting from the Wi-Fi programme, Internet service has been installed in the towns of Black River and Junction under the Connect Jamaica public Wi-Fi initiative.
Connect Jamaica provides free Internet service in parish capitals and major towns across the island.
Speaking on behalf of the community, principal of the Middle Quarters Primary School, Annette Kerr-Harris, welcomed the service, saying that it will enable students and residents to become more Internet savvy. She said it will be used for educational purposes, as well as to transact business and provide wholesome entertainment.