Technology
Canada expanding high-speed Internet access in rural and remote areas in Manitoba
Published
3 months agoon
By
Federal investment of over $96.8 million to connect more than 7,800 homes to high-speed Internet
OTTAWA, ON, June 22, 2026 /CNW/ – Reliable and affordable high-speed Internet is essential for all Canadians. It enables access to online education, connects friends and families, and drives economic growth and innovation. This is why the Government of Canada is bringing high-speed Internet access to underserved communities–including Indigenous communities–in Manitoba.
Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, announced over $96.8 million in federal funding for a project by Valley Fiber Ltd. to bring high-speed Internet access to communities across Manitoba. This project will benefit up to 7,875 households in over 50 rural and remote communities across the province.
The funding is provided through the Universal Broadband Fund, a program designed to ensure that Canadians in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have access to reliable high-speed Internet.
The Government of Canada has committed to ensuring that every household in Canada has access to high-speed Internet by 2030, and we are on track to meet our connectivity targets. This project will build toward that goal, and the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that creates new opportunities and makes sure communities can benefit from all of Canada’s potential.
Quotes
“High-speed Internet isn’t a luxury; it’s essential and foundational infrastructure. For people in rural and remote communities in Manitoba, having a reliable connection levels the playing field and can make all the difference in being able to access vital virtual health care, work online or just keep in touch with loved ones. That’s why the federal government has made a historic commitment to connect 98% of Canadian households to high-speed Internet by the end of 2026, and 100% of households by 2030. As part of this effort and thanks to today’s investment, more than 7,800 underserved homes in communities across Manitoba will have access to reliable high-speed Internet.”
– The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development and Member of Parliament for Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River
“High-speed Internet is critical infrastructure that helps communities grow and thrive. Through this partnership with Valley Fiber and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, more rural, remote and Indigenous communities in Manitoba will gain access to reliable broadband connectivity. Investments like this help close infrastructure gaps, create new opportunities and ensure Canadians can stay connected no matter where they live.”
– The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Member of Parliament for Churchill–Keewatinook Aski
“Strong connectivity is essential for communities to participate fully in today’s digital economy. This project with Valley Fiber and the Canada Infrastructure Bank will help expand reliable Internet access to rural, remote and Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba, opening the door to new opportunities and a better quality of life.”
– The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“Reliable high-speed Internet is essential infrastructure for education, health care, business and everyday life. Too many northern communities have waited far too long for the level of service other Manitobans take for granted. By unlocking unused provincial fiber capacity and partnering with a Manitoba-based provider, we’re accelerating progress that translates into real, tangible benefits for northern families.”
– The Honourable Mike Moroz, Manitoba’s Minister of Innovation and New Technology
“Reliable high-speed Internet is no longer optional infrastructure–it is the foundation for education, health care and economic opportunity. This investment allows Valley Fiber to reach communities in rural and remote Manitoba that have been overlooked for too long. We have the network, the team and the track record to deliver on that commitment.”
– Ryan Klassen, CEO, Valley Fiber
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 Canadian households by end of 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030.Today, 97.4% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014.In Manitoba, 94.1% of households currently have access to high-speed Internet.Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $322 million in connectivity projects in ManitobaThe Canada Infrastructure Bank has committed more than $2 billion toward broadband projects across Canada, allowing connectivity to expand at a quicker pace and on a larger scale.Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit individuals and gender diverse people are more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women. Better connectivity means more tools in moments of danger, enabling victims of violence to access critical online resources and get help when they need it most.
Associated links
Rural economic developmentHigh-Speed Internet Access DashboardUniversal Broadband FundCanada Infrastructure Bank: Digital Infrastructure and AIHigh-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity StrategyNational Broadband MapFederal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
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Technology
Brightstar Lottery PLC Announces Successful Pricing of €500,000,000 of Senior Secured Notes Due 2032
Published
48 minutes agoon
September 10, 2026By
LONDON, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brightstar Lottery PLC (NYSE: BRSL) (“Brightstar”) announced the successful pricing of €500,000,000 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2032 to be issued by Brightstar and to be guaranteed on a senior basis by certain of Brightstar’s wholly‑owned subsidiaries (the “Notes”). The Notes were priced at 99.360% of their nominal amount. Application has been made for the Notes to be listed on the Official List of Euronext Dublin and admitted to trading on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin.
Settlement of the Notes is subject to customary market and other closing conditions and is expected to occur on September 17, 2026.
Brightstar intends to use the gross proceeds from the sale of the Notes (i) to pay the purchase price for the Regulation S interests in its outstanding 2.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 pursuant to the tender offer announced by Brightstar on September 8, 2026 (the “Tender Offer”) and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) to repay utilizations under its senior revolving credit facilities and (iii) to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the offering (the “Offering”) and sale of the Notes and the tender offer.
The Notes are not being, and will not be, offered or sold in the United States. Nothing in the offering memorandum relating to the Offering (the “Offering Memorandum”) constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The Notes may not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States absent registration under, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act).
MiFID II Product Governance / Professional Investors and ECPs Only Target Market – Manufacturer target market (MiFID II product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No key information document has been prepared as the Notes are not available to retail investors in the European Economic Area (the “EEA”).
The Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.
U.K. MiFIR Product Governance / Professional Investors and ECPs Only Target Market – Manufacturer target market (UK MiFIR product governance) is eligible counterparties and professional clients only (all distribution channels). No disclosure document has been prepared as the Notes are not available to retail investors in the United Kingdom.
The Notes are not intended to be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the United Kingdom. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is either one (or both) of the following: (i) not a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); or (ii) not a “qualified investor” as defined in paragraph 15 of Schedule 1 of the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations 2024. Consequently, no disclosure document required by the FCA Product Disclosure Sourcebook (“DISC”) for offering, selling or distributing the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the United Kingdom may be unlawful under DISC and the Consumer Composite Investments (Designated Activities) Regulations 2024. References to Regulations or Directives include, in relation to the United Kingdom, those Regulations or Directives as they form part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or have been implemented in United Kingdom domestic law, as appropriate.
No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction in relation to the Notes to permit a public offering of securities.
OFFER AND DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS
Neither this news release nor the Offering Memorandum constitutes an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, nor shall there be any sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.
The distribution of this news release and the Offering Memorandum into certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this news release comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
United Kingdom
The communication of this news release, the Offering Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating thereto is not being made, and such documents or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”). Accordingly, such documents or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under Section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments, being investment professionals as defined in Article 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Financial Promotion Order”); (ii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order; or (iii) any other persons to whom these documents or materials may lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. Any investment or investment activity to which this news release or the Offering Memorandum relates is available only to such persons or will be engaged only with such persons and other persons should not rely on it.
European Economic Area
In member states of the EEA, this news release and the Offering Memorandum is only addressed to and directed at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended), together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State. The Notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with qualified investors. This news release should not be acted upon or relied upon in any member state of the EEA by persons who are not qualified investors.
Italy
None of the Offering, this news release or any other document or materials relating to the Offering have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (“CONSOB”) pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. The Offering is being carried out in Italy as an exempted offer pursuant to Article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of Legislative Decree No. 58 of February 24, 1998, as amended, and Article 35-bis, paragraph 3 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended.
About Brightstar Lottery PLC
Brightstar Lottery PLC (NYSE:BRSL) is a global leader in lottery focused on innovation and forward-thinking strategies and solutions, building on our renowned expertise in delivering secure technology and producing reliable, comprehensive solutions for our customers. As a premier pure play global lottery company, our best-in-class lottery operations, retail and digital solutions, and award-winning lottery games enable our customers to achieve their goals, entertain players and distribute meaningful benefits to communities. Brightstar has a well-established local presence and is a trusted partner to governments and regulators around the world, creating value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. Brightstar serves nearly 90 lottery customers and their players on six continents. It is the primary technology provider to 26 of the 46 lottery jurisdictions in the U.S. and eight of the world’s 10 largest lotteries with central systems. Brightstar has approximately 6,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.brightstarlottery.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning Brightstar Lottery PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) and other matters. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “shall,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or the negative or other variations of them. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements represent management’s good faith expectations, projections, guidance or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this news release will not be achieved. Specifically, the Company cannot assure you that the proposed transactions described above, including the successful completion of the Offering and the Tender Offer or, in the case of the Offering, will be made on the terms the Company currently contemplates, if at all. Information concerning these risks and other factors can be found in the Offering Memorandum and the tender offer memorandum with respect to the Tender Offer and the documents filed or furnished by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s latest annual report on Form 20-F, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.brightstarlottery.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company’s business. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Contact:
Mike DeAngelis, Corporate Communications, +1 (401) 392-1000,
mike.deangelis@brightstarlottery.com
Matteo Selva, Italian media inquiries, +39 366 6803635
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190
© 2026 Brightstar Lottery PLC
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SOURCE Brightstar Lottery PLC
Technology
Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd Successfully Participates in First Trades of SGX McCloskey FOB Australia Hard Coking Coal Futures
Published
48 minutes agoon
September 10, 2026By
SINGAPORE, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd (SFSPL), a member of Straits Financial Group, is pleased to announce its successful participation in the first trades of the SGX McCloskey FOB Australia Hard Coking Coal Futures, marking an important milestone in the development of risk management solutions for the global metallurgical coal market.
Straits Financial Services’ participation in the inaugural trades reflects its continued commitment to supporting the development of commodity derivatives markets and providing clients with access to a broad range of exchange-traded risk management solutions.
The new contract further strengthens the suite of commodity products available to participants across the steelmaking value chain, including producers, traders, consumers and financial institutions. By providing a transparent and centrally cleared marketplace, the contract can support price discovery and help market participants manage exposure to fluctuations in hard coking coal prices, a critical raw material in global steel production.
Mr Roger Quek, CEO and MD of SFSPL said: “As commodity markets continue to evolve, access to transparent and liquid derivatives instruments is increasingly important for participants looking to manage price risk effectively. We look forward to supporting the growth of this market and continuing to connect our clients with opportunities across global commodity markets.”
Participation in the inaugural SGX McCloskey FOB Australia Hard Coking Coal Futures trades further demonstrates Straits Financial Services’ commitment to supporting product innovation and the continued development of Asia’s commodity derivatives ecosystem.
About Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd
At Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd, we distinguish ourselves by promoting key and innovative contracts to support the financial and commodity derivative markets as well as providing products and services to fulfill the needs of every trader.
With a strong presence in Asia and a deep understanding of the global markets, we provide value to our clients by enabling global access with a local perspective. Established in 2010, Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd is part of Straits Financial Group which is headquartered in Singapore.
Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd provides a fully integrated service for our clients to access the financial and commodity derivative markets and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.straitsfinancial.com.
This document is issued for information purposes only. This document is not intended and should not under any circumstances to be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell, nor financial advice or recommendation in relation to any capital market product. All the information contained herein is based on publicly available information and has been obtained from sources that Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd believes to be reliable and correct at the time of publishing this document.
Straits Financial Services Pte Ltd will not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind (whether direct, indirect or consequential losses or other economic loss of any kind) suffered due to any omission, error, inaccuracy, incompleteness, or otherwise, any reliance on such information. Past performance or historical record of futures contracts, derivatives contracts, and commodities is not indicative of the future performance. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
If after reading the foregoing content you have any doubts in relation thereto, please consult your own independent legal, financial and/or professional adviser.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/straits-financial-services-pte-ltd-successfully-participates-in-first-trades-of-sgx-mccloskey-fob-australia-hard-coking-coal-futures-302873622.html
SOURCE Straits Financial
Technology
Sandbox VR Continues to Expand Across Australia with a New Melbourne Venue, Opening September 14
Published
49 minutes agoon
September 10, 2026By
Sandbox VR brings the ‘best virtual reality experience on the planet’ to Melbourne
MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sandbox VR, the world’s premier venue for virtual reality experiences, is set to open its newest location in Melbourne’s vibrant Central Business District. This new location on Bourke Street in Melbourne joins Sandbox VR’s first Australian location on the Gold Coast. Guests can take advantage of a limited-time presale offer of 25% off through September 13 at https://sandboxvr.com/au/melbourne/bourke-street. With nearly 150K players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.
Sandbox VR’s Melbourne venue features a bar, party room and four private rooms where groups of up to six guests suit up with headsets, haptic vests and motion sensors for full-body immersion. The technology allows players to see and physically interact with one another, creating the feeling of living inside the action together. After each experience, guests receive personalised highlight videos to relive and share their adventures. The result is an active, memorable alternative to a conventional night out for friends, families and corporate groups.
“Melbourne is renowned as Australia’s cultural and entertainment capital, with its world-class food, coffee culture, arts, sporting events and vibrant nightlife,” said Bao Phung, Owner of Sandbox VR Melbourne & Gold Coast. “Following the success of our Gold Coast location, we’re incredibly excited to bring Sandbox VR to Melbourne and introduce a completely new form of immersive entertainment. It gives friends, families and corporate groups an active, memorable alternative to a conventional night out, where they can step into another world and experience the action together. Melbourne has always embraced innovation and new experiences, making it a natural home for Sandbox VR and the next chapter of our Australian growth.”
“Melbourne is an important next step in Sandbox VR’s Australian growth story. Bao, Keith and the wider team have built strong momentum for the brand on the Gold Coast, and Melbourne represents the next chapter as they bring our world-leading immersive entertainment to a new audience,” said Senior Director, Global Franchise Operations, Sandbox VR. “As a city that embraces culture, sport and new experiences, Melbourne is a natural fit for Sandbox VR and the memorable group outings it creates.”
Sandbox VR operates both corporate-owned locations and a robust franchise program, and recently hit $300M in lifetime sales while scaling to more than 90 global locations across five continents and 12 countries since launching in 2016. The company is redefining group entertainment with immersive experiences that transform any outing into lasting memories. Built by a team of veteran developers from EA, Sony, and Ubisoft, Sandbox VR delivers full-body immersion through exclusive content and original experiences, including the recently launched Stranger Things: Catalyst, in collaboration with Netflix, and the new Age of Dinosaurs experience in partnership with the Natural History Museum of London and leading dinosaur experts.
Sandbox VR provides an unparalleled entertainment experience with over 250,000 five-star reviews from guests worldwide. With over 6 million lifetime tickets sold across five continents, the company has established itself as the global leader in location-based virtual reality. Sandbox VR is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, Craft, and Stanford University, along with individuals such as Kevin Durant, Justin Timberlake, and Katy Perry.
To learn more about Sandbox VR, visit https://sandboxvr.com/au/melbourne/bourke-street.
ABOUT SANDBOX VR
Sandbox VR is the world’s premier destination for location-based virtual reality experiences. Operating across 90+ venues around the globe through a robust franchise and corporate-owned model, Sandbox VR attracts nearly 150,000 guests each month. Sandbox VR provides guests the opportunity to step out of everyday reality into unforgettable adventures through exhilarating, group-play immersive experiences. Using a proprietary full-body VR platform, the company develops original and licensed content, including exclusive experiences like Stranger Things: Catalyst and Squid Game Virtuals in collaboration with Netflix, and the Sandbox VR original Deadwood series. With over 6 million tickets sold worldwide, Sandbox VR has become the leader in immersive entertainment, combining premium technology with emotionally engaging storytelling. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies and a two-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, Sandbox VR is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Hong Kong and Vancouver. The company has raised over $138 million from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, and Craft, with individual backers including Justin Timberlake, Kevin Durant, and Will Smith.
Media Contact:
Media@SandboxVR.com
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SOURCE Sandbox VR
Brightstar Lottery PLC Announces Successful Pricing of €500,000,000 of Senior Secured Notes Due 2032
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Sandbox VR Continues to Expand Across Australia with a New Melbourne Venue, Opening September 14
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