ICANN provides emergency funding to restore internet connectivity in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has approved nearly $110,000 in funding for the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) to support internet connectivity restoration efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

According to ICANN, the funding will support specific ETC activities aimed at restoring emergency communications infrastructure after the hurricane caused widespread disruption to internet access across Jamaica on 28 October 2025.

The ETC submitted a funding proposal through ICANN’s Emergency Assistance Program, which was created to support activities that help maintain or restore internet access during emergency situations.

The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster is one of three organisations pre-qualified by ICANN to receive support through the programme. The proposal was assessed against programme criteria covering the scale of the emergency, alignment with ICANN’s mission, operational feasibility, accountability measures, and funding availability.

ICANN said the ETC proposal met all programme requirements and that its current financial forecast could accommodate the expenditure.

The funded activities are specifically focused on connectivity restoration work. ICANN stated that the contribution reflects its commitment to supporting the continuity of critical communications infrastructure during emergencies.

The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster coordinates emergency communications support during humanitarian crises and works with governments, international organisations, and telecommunications providers to restore connectivity in affected areas.