The Universal Service Fund (USF) was established by the Telecommunications Amendment Act 2012 to promote universal access to the internet and digital inclusion across Jamaica. The Fund collects a telecommunications levy on international incoming calls, analyses projects that expand internet access, and disburses funds to approved projects. USF’s mission is to positively impact Jamaica’s socio-economic development by enabling a knowledge-based society through universal access to the internet and digital inclusion.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the USF will continue to advance Jamaica’s digital landscape in alignment with the national development goals of Vision 2030. Key priorities include expanding digital infrastructure through the Community Connect Programme, establishing 126 Wi-Fi sites and rehabilitating Community Access Points in unserved and underserved communities; improving service quality and reliability through modernized technical systems and proactive network monitoring; restoring Connect Jamaica public Wi-Fi sites in high-traffic areas including tourist towns, green spaces, and historic hotspots; and enhancing digital inclusion through public education, rebranding, skills development, and the implementation of three digital literacy programmes.
The Fund projects a deficit of $35 million for 2026/27, compared to a surplus of $33.67 million in the prior financial year
