Flow: Fast-tracking digital inclusion key to achieving Vision 2030

Jamaica must accelerate its digital transformation to meet the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, and that means prioritising affordability, accessibility, and digital literacy for all citizens.

That was the urgent call from Stephen Price, vice president and general manager of Flow, during a panel discussion on ‘Meaningful Connectivity’ at the Caribbean Telecommunications Union ICT Conference held at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday, September 30.

Flow, through its parent company Liberty Caribbean, is a leading sponsor of the event.

“We need a digitally literate population to support our Vision 2030 goals. We have five years to move extremely quickly to achieve this, and we are in full support of the Government in realising our goal of being a technology-enabled society,” Price said in a media release.

“From Flow’s perspective, affordability, accessibility, and digital literacy are key to unlocking the potential of digital connectivity and making a transformative impact in the lives of every Jamaican and the future of our country.”

Price emphasised that Flow is already leading the charge. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has almost doubled its fibre optic coverage to over 760,000 homes and has 98 per cent mobile coverage across the population.

Flow has been continuously investing in its network optimisation and over the past three months the company has added six new mobile cell sites bringing improved connectivity and capacity to Runaway Bay in St. Ann and Ocean Heights in St James, among other communities.

Through its JUMP programme, Flow is also equipping vulnerable families with devices, subsidised connectivity and digital literacy skills, ensuring that no one is left behind. The urgency of digital inclusion was also echoed by other panellists.

Elona Cela, senior investment officer at the International Finance Corporation stressed the need to expand broadband access, especially in rural Jamaica.

“Children in rural areas must have the same opportunities as those in urban centres to achieve their full potential through broadband access. Without affordable costs, many families will continue to be excluded from the digital revolution,” she said.

Charlton McFarlane, CEO of the USF, pointed out that an average 200,000 Jamaicans per month use the approximately 400 community Wi-Fi hotspots across the island. He added that this consumption is being used not only for streaming content but supporting student learning and micro entrepreneurship.

Senator Dana Morris-Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, in her keynote address, reinforced the Government’s commitment to collaboration to make internet connectivity more accessible.

“Connectivity cannot be seen as a luxury – it’s our lifeline. It’s a bridge to better healthcare, education, governance and civic participation,” said the minister. “Technology is central to the mission of the Ministry, and the digital ecosystem must include affordability, training, connectivity, and relevant content.”

In his closing comments, Price added that systemic challenges remain that, if addressed urgently, would support the Vision 2030 goals.

“Theft and vandalism of our network infrastructure remain a huge threat to our progress as a nation and individually. Stiffer penalties and enforcement of these laws would help curb these targeted attacks,” stated Price.

“In addition, unlocking the Spectrum assets of the government at more competitive spectrum pricing could aid the speed of roll-out to some communities. This along with the removal of GCT on enabling devices like tablets could make access easier and would help to manage the final cost to our citizens at the lowest income levels. I’m also advocating for further public-private partnerships to unlock the full potential of our growing digital economy.”