‘JUTC Wi-Fi closely monitored’

THE THIRD-PARTY partner responsible for public Wi-Fi service on Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses is insisting that adequate safeguards are in place to block inappropriate content.

The service, which started with a pilot in July 2018, is now available on more than 200 buses from the Twickenham Park depot and should be further expanded by the end of this month.

The JUTC relies entirely on Growth Tech Limited to ensure that the general public, and children in particular, are not able to access sexual content or other inappropriate content.

“For Growth Tech, it is absolutely important for us to put safeguards in place to minimise against any of our customers, especially children, accessing any inappropriate content, whether it is X-rated or violent,” said Neil Lawrence, chief executive officer (CEO) of Growth Tech.

He said that since the launch of the JUTC public Wi-Fi programme, there have been no complaints about commuters being exposed to inappropriate content.

“Our intention is to ensure that persons use it to maintain connection with their loved ones, businesses, or for entertainment,” said Lawrence.

But with hackers consistently trying to infiltrate systems, Lawrence says his team continuously monitors the JUTC platform to ensure its integrity.

At the same time, Lawrence said there is huge need for public education around the importance of blocking inappropriate content for children.