Technology

Expanding high-speed Internet access in Northern Ontario

Published

2 years ago

June 24, 2024

Combined federal and provincial investment of over $97 million will connect more than 18,600 homes to high-speed Internet

SUDBURY, ON, June 24, 2024 /CNW/ – Fairness for every generation means making sure everyone in Canada has access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet, no matter where they live. That is why the governments of Canada and Ontario are bringing high-speed Internet access to underserved communities—including Indigenous communities—in Ontario.

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, on behalf of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, announced over $97 million in combined federal and provincial funding for ROCK Networks, a PomeGran group company. The project will bring high-speed Internet access to more than 60 communities along the north shore of Lake Huron between Sudbury, Huron Shores and Sault Ste. Marie, and on Manitoulin Island. It will serve 18,600 households, including over 2,500 Indigenous households. Minister Hutchings and Parliamentary Assistant Sandhu were joined by Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury; Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors; and Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages.

The project being announced today is part of an existing partnership between Ontario and Canada. On July 29, 2021, the governments announced a Canada–Ontario broadband partnership to support large–scale, fibre-based projects that will provide high-speed Internet access to nearly 280,000 households across the province. This historic agreement was made possible by a joint federal–provincial investment totalling more than $1.2 billion.

Everyone in Canada will have access to high-speed Internet by 2030, and 98% of Canadians will be connected by 2026. Canada is on track to meet its 2026 connectivity targets. These projects will contribute to reaching that goal, and the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that creates new opportunities in communities to make sure they can benefit from all of Canada’s potential. The announcement also brings the Government of Ontario closer to achieving its goal of bringing reliable high-speed Internet access to every community across the province by the end of 2025.

Quotes

“High-speed Internet is no longer considered just a luxury. The federal funding committed today will bring reliable high-speed Internet to more than 18,600 underserved homes in communities across Northern Ontario. Communities large and small need to have a reliable connection so they can grow their potential in this digital world.”
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Every community deserves access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet. Our government has been delivering on its promise to ensure every Canadian from coast to coast to coast has access, no matter where they live. As Chair of the Northern Ontario Caucus, I have heard first-hand from communities across Northern Ontario about the need for equitable service, and this investment brings us one step closer to ensuring every single Canadian has access to high-speed Internet by 2030.”
– Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“I am proud that our government is taking action to bring high-speed connectivity to the Algoma District and Northern Ontario. In a digitally connected world, rapid and reliable access is essential everywhere. The funding announced today will help connect us for doing business, accessing health care and education, and building community.”
– Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors

“The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) continues to make a positive difference for Nickel Belt and Northern Ontario, significantly enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth. Through today’s investment and past UBF projects, we’ve empowered local businesses, improved access to essential services and enriched the quality of life for residents. This is another step in ensuring no community is left behind as we build a more inclusive and connected future for all.”
– Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“Today’s announcement builds on our government’s unwavering commitment to bring reliable high-speed Internet access to every community across the province, including Indigenous communities, by the end of 2025. By continuing to invest in key infrastructure like high-speed Internet, we are building a stronger Ontario and helping to ensure that no one is left behind, no matter where they live.”
– The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

“Thanks to a combined investment of over $97 million from the governments of Canada and Ontario, residents of Huron Shores and Manitoulin Island will have the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world. This investment brings us another step closer to fulfilling our government’s ambitious goal of delivering reliable high-speed Internet access to every community across Ontario by the end of 2025.”
– Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

“The government’s funding is a game-changer for connectivity in Huron Shores and Manitoulin Island. Beyond connecting households, it paves the way for educational opportunities, telemedicine advancements and thriving local businesses. It’s about building a stronger, more connected community for generations to come.”
– Georges Bilodeau, Chairperson of H&M COFI Corporation

“This investment is a testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide in rural and Indigenous communities. With an open-access network, we aim to make high-speed Internet more accessible and affordable, driving economic growth and innovation in the region.”
– Joe Hickey, President and Founder of ROCK Networks and President of PomeGran

Quick facts

Canada’s Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadians by 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030.Today, 93.5% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014.In Ontario, 92.9% of households currently have access to high-speed Internet, compared to 86.9% in 2017.Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $852 million in connectivity projects in Ontario.The Ontario government is investing nearly $4 billion to bring access to reliable high-speed Internet to every community across the province by the end of 2025. This is the largest single investment in high-speed Internet in any province, by any government in Canadian history.As of June 2024, Ontario has finalized agreements worth more than $2.4 billion for over 270 high–speed Internet and cellular projects to enable access for over 539,000 homes and businesses across the province.Ontario launched an interactive online map that shows where provincially funded high-speed Internet projects are planned, are currently under way or have been recently completed in communities across the province. Ontarians can use the map to search by address, community or municipality to learn about projects happening in their area and find out where high-speed Internet service is currently available.In 2021, Ontario passed the Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021 to help speed up construction of high-speed Internet projects. To build on this legislation, the Ontario government passed the Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022, which further reduces barriers, duplication and delays.

Associated links

Rural economic development High-Speed Internet Access Dashboard Universal Broadband Fund Backgrounder: Universal Broadband Fund and Telesat low Earth orbit capacity agreement Canada Infrastructure Bank: Broadband High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map Ontario connects: making high-speed Internet accessible in every community

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Technology

Shanghai Electric Presents Full-Chain Collaborative Solutions for Zero-Carbon Transition at Carbon Neutrality Expo 2026

Published

14 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

SHANGHAI, June 15, 2026 /CNW/ — Shanghai Electric (“the Company”) (SEHK: 02727, SSE: 601727) has successfully concluded its exhibition at the 2026 Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo in Technologies, Products and Achievements (Carbon Neutrality Expo 2026) held from June 10 to 12 in Shanghai under the theme of “Engineering the Optimal Zero-Carbon Solution.”

By presenting zero-carbon park construction achievements, low-carbon technology innovations and green product solutions, Shanghai Electric showcased its core capabilities in full-chain synergy, on-demand customization and project execution. Its integrated energy equipment value chain enables tailored solutions for diverse scenarios and supports green, low-carbon development.

Industrial parks are vital platforms for green and low-carbon development. At the expo, Shanghai Electric released the “White Paper on Technical Measures for Zero-Carbon Park Planning and Construction,” offering systematic and actionable guidance for green and low-carbon park development. Centered on energy efficiency, energy substitution and resource circulation, Shanghai Electric offers end-to-end services from planning and construction to operations. Its full-chain solutions cover clean energy supply, low-carbon infrastructure, resource recycling and smart O&M.

In recent years, the Company has advanced several demonstration projects for green and low-carbon park development, including the “Zero-Carbon Bay” project in Shanghai’s Lin-gang Special Area and a smart energy park in Shantou, Guangdong Province. Selected as one of China’s first 52 national zero-carbon parks and the only project in Shanghai to receive the designation, the Lin-gang project highlights Shanghai Electric’s role in planning, construction and operational deployment, as well as its ability to build integrated zero-carbon systems for advanced manufacturing industries. The Shantou project integrates wind, solar, storage, charging and intelligent energy management, and has received Guangdong’s first carbon neutrality certificate.

With full-category new energy capabilities across wind, solar, storage, hydrogen and nuclear, Shanghai Electric covers the zero-carbon chain from generation to smart platforms and energy-saving equipment. The full-chain synergy provides robust technological and industrial foundation for building zero-carbon scenarios.

Shanghai Electric also released social carbon reduction contribution data for the second consecutive year. In 2025, the Company achieved a reduction of approximately 389 million tons of CO₂ equivalent, continuing to apply its green technologies and industrial capabilities to drive low-carbon transition.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Electric unveiled its next-phase ESG development strategy, reaffirming its commitment to clean technology innovation, low-carbon management and sustainability governance as it works with global partners to support the global zero-carbon transition.

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SOURCE Shanghai Electric

Technology

56% Want It, 38% Leave For It: The Critical State of Work-Life Balance in Hong Kong: Randstad Hong Kong

Published

14 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Work-life balance remains the #1 Employee Value Proposition (EVP), jumping 10% in importance since 2024 (56% in 2026 vs. 46% in 2024).Top 3 turnover drivers: Poor work-life balance, uncompetitive compensation & benefits, and limited career growth.Mobility trends: 30% of Hongkonger plan to change jobs (peaking at 32% among Gen Z), while 14% seek internal transfers (highest among Millennials at 16%).

HONG KONG, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ‘Work-life balance’ continues to reign as the top employee value proposition (EVP) for talent in Hong Kong, while ‘career progression’ has entered the Top 5 EVPs for the very first time in 2026.

Randstad – the global talent company – today revealed early findings of its 14th annual Employer Brand Research in Hong Kong SAR. Commissioned by Randstad and independently conducted by Kantar, this annual study is the world’s most comprehensive employer brand research, surveying over 166,000 people globally, including 2,500 respondents in Hong Kong SAR.

Natellie Sun, Managing Director of Randstad Greater China and Southeast Asia said, “Our 2026 findings show that while work-life balance remains the ultimate priority, career progression has broken into the top five EVPs for the first time in six years. Immediate rewards and daily workplace experiences are still highly valued, but we are seeing a distinct shift: talent in Hong Kong is adopting a much more long-term, strategic mindset when managing their careers.”

Work-life Balance Remains the Leading EVP Driver

The 2026 research reveals that 56% of Hong Kongers prioritise work-life balance when seeking an ideal employer, marking a 10% increase from 2024. This is closely followed by attractive salary and benefits (52%) and job security (43%).

Top 5 Most Important EVP Factors When Thinking about an Ideal Employer

Hong Kong SAR

Gen Z

Millennials

Gen X

work-life balance

salary & benefits

job security

pleasant work atmosphere

job security

career progression

pleasant work atmosphere

job security

pleasant work atmosphere

career progression

Hongkongers View Work-life Balance through a Functional Lens

Data shows that Hongkongers prioritise tangible benefits which are good environments, reasonable workloads, flexible arrangements, health support, time off and access to work, over soft factors like “supportive leadership and culture”.

44% of talent in Hong Kong cite reasonable workload and expectations as the primary driver of a healthy work-life balance, nearly double the proportion who prioritise supportive leadership and culture (23%).

Amid talent shifts driven by agile business iterations, forward-thinking managers should do more than simply reassign tasks to teams or AI tools. Instead, they should take actions to prioritise employees’ morale, redesign workflows, and reallocate resources to ensure sustainable productivity.

Another 42% attribute better work-life balance to flexible working arrangements. However, the proportion of employees offered hybrid or remote options has declined (32% in 2026, down from 37% in 2025). Increasingly, employers are mandating a return-to-office (RTO) to track productivity and drive growth. Yet, companies need to be wary of “pseudo-flexibility”, which is when workloads are unreasonable and the line between work time and personal time becomes blurry. Consequently, a poor work-life balance remains the leading driver of resignations in Hong Kong (38.2%).

Switch or Not? Hongkongers Seek Job Security and Career Progression

The Hong Kong talent market is currently navigating a structural supply-demand mismatch, accelerated by AI and economic uncertainties. Faced with these external market risks, talent are increasingly choosing security over mobility.

While 30% of workers still plan to change jobs, external mobility intentions have noticeably slowed down compared to previous years. Instead, the appetite for internal transfers has grown to 14%. Driven by a challenging macroeconomic environment, talent is opting to anchor themselves to current employers, looking for security rather than risking an external move.

However, choosing security does not mean no retention pressure. Employers need to look beyond surface-level declines in turnover and evaluate the workforce through the lens of EVP and attrition factors, to mitigate the risks of ‘job hugging’ fallout and talent loss.

A disconnect exists between what talent expect and what they experience daily. The widest gap lies in “salary and benefits,” followed by “career progression”. Notably, 38% of respondents leave because salary and benefits failed to keep pace with rising living costs and workload, while 29% leave due to a lack of career growth opportunities.

As market-wide salary increments slow down and corporate budgets become cautious, talent are adopting a more pragmatic approach toward compensation and benefits. When weighing salary ceilings against career ceilings, talent possess far greater agency to shatter their career barriers.

Career development is a continuous journey that relies on both personal commitment and a supportive work environment. It encompasses vertical advancement and horizontal expansion, with expectations evolving across the short, medium, and long term. As Partner for Talent, Randstad is committed to supporting candidates through every stage of the career journey.

Randstad Hong Kong 2026 Employer Brand Research Report: Now Available

The 14th edition of the Randstad Hong Kong Employer Brand Research is available now on the website, exploring the insights from 2,500 respondents for the following themes:

how talent across different generations is ranking EVP importancewhat elements strengthen job security and enhance work-life balancejob-switching behaviour and the reasons for leaving jobsAI powers the job search, human connection builds trust.

About Randstad Employer Brand Research

Randstad Employer Brand Research 2026 explores the views of working people in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and North America.

Data was collected from over 166,000 respondents in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay In January 2026. For this research, Randstad partnered with Kantar, a global research and analysis firm.

About Randstad

Randstad is a global talent leader with the vision to be the world’s most equitable and specialised talent company. As a partner for talent and through our four specialisations — Operational, Professional, Digital and Enterprise — we provide clients with the high-quality, diverse and agile workforces that they need to succeed in a talent scarce world. We help people secure meaningful roles, develop relevant skills and find purpose and belonging in their workplace. Through the value we create, we are committed to a better and more sustainable future for all.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, operating in 39 markets and Randstad N.V. is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam. For more information, see www.randstad.com.

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SOURCE Randstad Hong Kong

Technology

TECNO Unveils SPARK 50 Pro: The Segment’s Durable Powerhouse

Published

14 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

HONG KONG, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On June 16 Beijing Time, AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO unveils SPARK 50 Pro, the segment’s durable powerhouse. Designed for users who expect their smartphone to keep up with them for years, TECNO SPARK 50 Pro offers two battery options — a 5600mAh dual-cell version and a 6000mAh single-cell version — both paired with a Sony LYTIA 600 50MP main camera, a slim 7.8mm body, IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, and SGS Five-Star certified durability. This stylish and durable smartphone is built to deliver long-lasting all-round performance for entertainment, creativity, and everyday life.

Long-Lasting Power and Performance for Streaming and Multitasking

Built for the way users stream, scroll, game, chat, and multitask throughout the day, TECNO SPARK 50 Pro delivers dependable performance with battery durability designed for the long run. Both battery versions — 5600mAh dual-cell and 6000mAh single-cell — support more than 1,900 charge cycles, retaining over 80% capacity after six years, as certified by TECNO Lab, for long-lasting reliability and fewer battery replacements.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro also supports 60W Super Charge, powering the device to 63% in just 30 minutes and charging fully in 55 minutes. Three adaptive charging modes – Hyper, Smart, and Low-Temperature – give users control over speed versus heat, while bypass charging routes power directly to the motherboard during heavy use, reducing battery strain and keeping the device cooler when gaming or streaming while plugged in.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 Ultimate processor with AnTuTu score around 550,000, TECNO SPARK 50 Pro is designed to support smooth everyday performance across entertainment, productivity, and social use. It also features Memory Fusion 4.0 technology, delivers up to 24GB RAM. Its large 6.78-inch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate brings fluid visuals to supported scenarios, while dual stereo speakers with DTS Sound deliver a richer audio experience for video, music, and gaming. Together, these features make SPARK 50 Pro a reliable entertainment companion built for daily streaming, multitasking, and playback.

Capture Life in Motion: 50MP Sony Camera Meets Ultra-Fast FlashSnap

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro elevates everyday photography with the Sony LYTIA 600 main camera which was developed by Sony Semiconductor Solutions with Sony optical technology, features a 50MP resolution and a large 1/1.953-inch sensor. It delivers superior light-gathering capability compared to smaller sensors in its class, enabling clearer shots in low-light conditions.

Capture fast-moving moments with TECNO’s FlashSnap technology. With shutter speeds of up to 1/10,000s, users can freeze motion with precision, whether capturing pets in action, moving vehicles, sports, or quick-fire moments with friends.

Beyond still images, TECNO SPARK 50 Pro brings memories to life with Live Photo, saving the atmosphere of a shot in motion with every shutter press. AI-powered imaging tools, including AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Extender, help users remove distractions, reframe compositions, and refine images directly on device. TECNO’s Universal Tone technology further supports more inclusive portrait photography, helping users capture natural-looking skin tones across environments.

Slim Yet Durable: Premium Design with Solid Protection

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro combines a slim 7.8mm profile with premium durability, backed by the Swiss SGS Five-Star Premium Drop Resistance. Adding to its resilience, the device features IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, ensuring reliable protection against dust, spills, rain, and high-pressure water jets.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro extends its all-round experience with features built around how users actually move through their day. FreeLink 2.0 enables off-grid communication in supported scenarios, while 4.5G and 4G carrier aggregation strengthens network performance for streaming, browsing, and social use. AI Noise Cancellation supports clearer calls in busy or noisy environments, and TECNO’s Ella AI Agent and AI Health Assistant bring intelligent everyday assistance for health monitoring and daily productivity.

The device is available in five stylish colors: Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Midnight Blue, Dynamic Orange, and Cloud White. Blending ultra-slim aesthetics with modern style, TECNO SPARK 50 Pro is designed to feel as polished as it is practical — a device that looks premium, performs smoothly, and stays reliable over time.

About TECNO

As a global innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets, TECNO has been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in global emerging markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies and AI. TECNO offers a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, smart gaming, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the newest technologies and AI-powered new experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

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SOURCE TECNO