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Telecom Argentina S.A. Announces the Commencement of the Exchange Offer Relating to its 8.000% Notes due July 18, 2026

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2 years ago

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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —

Telecom Argentina S.A.

Offer to Exchange up to U.S.$200,000,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of the Outstanding

8.000% Notes due July 18, 2026

(CUSIP Nos. 879273 AR1 and P9028N AV3; ISIN Nos. US879273AR14 and USP9028NAV30);

Telecom Argentina S.A. (“Telecom” or the “Company” or “us” or “we”) has priced its international capital markets offering of U.S.$500,000,000 9.500% senior amortizing notes due 2031, (the “New Money Notes”), and hereby announces the commencement of its offer to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) up to U.S.$200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount (the “Offer Cap”) of its outstanding 8.000% Notes due July 18, 2026 (the “Old Notes”) validly tendered and accepted for exchange for newly issued 9.500% senior amortizing notes due 2031 (the “New Notes”) of Telecom, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the exchange offer memorandum, dated July 11, 2024 (the “Exchange Offer Memorandum”), and the related eligibility letter (the “Eligibility Letter” and, together with the Exchange Offer Memorandum, the “Exchange Offer Documents”). The New Notes will be issued as Additional New Notes (as defined in the Exchange Offer Memorandum) under the Indenture (as defined in the Exchange Offer Memorandum) pursuant to which the Company expects to issue the New Money Notes.

Only holders of Old Notes who have returned a duly completed electronic Eligibility Letter certifying that they are (1) “qualified institutional buyers” (“QIBs”) as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (2) located outside of the United States (other than “U.S. persons” (as defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act)), who are qualified offerees in other jurisdictions and who are not Argentine Entity Offerees (as defined in the Eligibility Letter) or Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction Offerees (as defined in the Eligibility Letter), (3) “non-U.S. persons” who are Argentine Entity Offerees, (4) “non-U.S. persons” who are Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions Offerees, or (5) “non-U.S. persons” who are Eligible Canadian Holders (as defined in the Eligibility Letter), are authorized to receive the Exchange Offer Memorandum and to participate in the Exchange Offer (such holders, “Eligible Holders”).

Argentine Entity Offerees and Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction Offerees who participate in the Exchange Offer are required to submit a properly completed Agent’s Message (as defined in the Exchange Offer Memorandum) in which such Eligible Holder shall identify itself as Argentine Entity Offeree or Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction Offeree, as the case may be. 

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Exchange Offer Documents, Eligible Holders who validly tender Old Notes at or prior to the Expiration Date will receive consideration (the “Exchange Consideration”) in the form of either (i) with respect to Eligible Holders who validly tender Old Notes at or prior to the Early Participation Date (as defined below) and whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange by us, the Early Participation Consideration (as defined below) and (ii) with respect to Eligible Holders who validly tender Old Notes after the Early Participation Date, and whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange by us, the Late Participation Consideration (as defined below).

The following table sets forth certain material terms of the Exchange Offer:

Description of Old
Notes

CUSIP / ISIN Nos.

Principal Amount
Outstanding

Late Participation
Consideration(2)

Early Participation
Consideration(2) 

8.000% Notes due July
18, 2026(1)

Rule 144A:

879273 AR1
US879273AR14

 

Regulation S:

P9028N AV3
USP9028NAV30

U.S.$400,000,000

U.S.$[970]

U.S.$[1000]

 

(1)

The Old Notes are currently listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and traded on its Euro MTD Market and are listed on the Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos S.A and are traded on the Mercado Abierto Electrónico S.A.

(2)

Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of the Company’s Old Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Date and accepted for exchange. We will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the Old Notes from the most recent interest payment date in respect of the Old Notes up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date (the “Accrued Coupon Payment”), which will be reduced by the interest accrued from the initial issuance date of the New Money Notes (as defined below) up to, but not including the applicable Settlement Date, as further described below. The first interest payment for the New Notes will include accrued interest from the initial issuance date of the New Money Notes. The Exchange Consideration does not include the Accrued Coupon Payment.

Subject to the immediately following paragraph, in addition to the Exchange Consideration, Eligible Holders will also receive the Accrued Coupon Payment consisting of accrued and unpaid interest on Old Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer from, and including, the last interest payment date for the Old Notes to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date. The Accrued Coupon Payment will be paid in cash with respect to Old Notes accepted for exchange, subject to any tax withholdings applicable to Argentine Entity Offerees or to Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions Offerees.  Interest will cease to accrue on the applicable Settlement Date for all Old Notes accepted in the Exchange Offer. 

Interest on the New Notes will accrue from the issuance date of the New Money Notes. Although participants in the Exchange Offer will not hold New Notes prior to the Early Settlement Date, in the case of New Notes issued on the Early Settlement Date, or the Final Settlement Date, in the case of New Notes issued on the applicable Final Settlement Date, the first interest payment on the New Notes will include the interest accrued from the issuance date of the New Money Notes to the applicable Settlement Date. Further, each holder whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange by us will receive a cash payment (reduced as described in the following sentence) representing Accrued Coupon Payment, if any, that has accrued from the most recent interest payment date in respect of the Old Notes up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date; provided, that, Eligible Holders of Old Notes will not receive Accrued Coupon Payment that is due and payable on the applicable Settlement Date if the accrued and unpaid interest that is due and payable on the applicable Settlement Date on the New Notes exceeds the Accrued Coupon Payment that is payable on the applicable Settlement Date on such Old Notes. Accrued Coupon Payment payable on Old Notes up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date, will be reduced by the interest accrued on the New Notes up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date.

The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on August 8, 2024 (such date and time with respect to the Exchange Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to the Exchange Offer, the “Expiration Date”). In order to be eligible to receive the Early Participation Consideration (as set forth in the table above), Eligible Holders must validly tender and not validly withdraw their Old Notes on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 24, 2024, unless extended (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the “Early Participation Date”). Eligible Holders who validly tender their Old Notes after the Early Participation Date and on or prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive only the applicable Late Participation Consideration (as set forth in the table above). Old Notes validly tendered may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 24, 2024, unless extended (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the “Withdrawal Date”), but not thereafter, unless extended by us.

We have a right to elect following the Early Participation Date and on or prior to the Expiration Date a date to accept the Old Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Participation Date (the “Early Acceptance Date”), provided that all conditions of the Exchange Offer have been satisfied or, where applicable, waived by us (the “Early Settlement Right”). If we exercise the Early Settlement Right, the Early Acceptance Date will be the date on which we accept for exchange all Old Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Participation Date. Assuming that we exercise the Early Settlement Right and all conditions of the Exchange Offer have been satisfied, or where applicable, waived by us, we expect that the Early Acceptance Date will be the first Business Day following the Early Participation Date. If we exercise the Early Settlement Right, the settlement date will be promptly following the Early Acceptance Date (the “Early Settlement Date”) which is expected to occur on the second business day following the Early Participation Date.

The “Final Settlement Date” for the Exchange Offer is expected to be promptly following the Expiration Date. Assuming that the Final Settlement Date is not extended and all conditions of the Exchange Offer have been satisfied or, where applicable, waived by us, we expect that the Final Settlement Date will occur on a date promptly following the Expiration Date. We refer to each of the Early Settlement Date and the Final Settlement Date as a “Settlement Date.”

The acceptance of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer is subject to the Offer Cap. Telecom is offering to exchange Old Notes (having an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the Offer Cap) that are validly tendered by Eligible Holders for New Notes, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion and subject to applicable law, to increase the Offer Cap without reinstating withdrawal rights or extending the Early Participation Date or the Withdrawal Date with respect to the Exchange Offer.

The following proration procedures will apply to the Exchange Offer:

Subject to the Offer Cap, we intend to accept for exchange all Old Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Participation Date, and will only prorate such Old Notes if the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Participation Date, exceeds the Offer Cap.If the Exchange Offer is not fully subscribed as of the Early Participation Date, Eligible Holders who validly tender Old Notes after the Early Participation Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date may be subject to proration if the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Expiration Date exceeds the Offer Cap.Subject to the Offer Cap and proration, all Old Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Participation Date will be accepted for exchange before any Old Notes validly tendered after the Early Participation Date are accepted for exchange. Furthermore, if the Exchange Offer is fully subscribed as of the Early Participation Date, Eligible Holders who validly tender Old Notes after the Early Participation Date will not have any of their Old Notes accepted for exchange, provided that such Old Notes may be accepted for exchange if we increase the Offer Cap, which we are entitled to do in our sole discretion. There can be no assurance that we will increase the Offer Cap.Old Notes must be tendered on behalf of each beneficial owner due to potential proration.

Telecom’s obligation to accept Old Notes tendered in the Exchange Offer is also subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions applicable to the Exchange Offer including (1) certain customary conditions, including that we will not be obligated to consummate the Exchange Offer upon the occurrence of an event or events or the likely occurrence of an event or events that would or might reasonably be expected to prohibit, restrict or delay the consummation of the Exchange Offer or materially impair the contemplated benefits to us of the Exchange Offer, (2)  our receipt of aggregate gross proceeds upon completion of the New Money Offering, (3) the likelihood that the New Notes are treated as part of the “same issue” as the New Money Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as determined on the Early Acceptance Date or the Expiration Date, as applicable, and (4) in the case of Argentine Entity Offerees and Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction Offeree, upon its delivery of a properly completed Agent’s Message in which such Eligible Holder shall identify itself as Argentine Entity Offeree or Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction Offeree, as the case may be. Subject to applicable law and limitations described in the Exchange Offer Memorandum, Telecom may waive any of these conditions in its sole discretion. See “Description of the Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” in the Exchange Offer Memorandum.

The purpose of the Exchange Offer is to acquire a portion of the outstanding Old Notes as part of a plan to extend the maturity profile of our existing debt.

Prior to the commencement of the Exchange Offer, we priced an international capital markets offering of New Money Notes, the consummation of which is subject to customary closing conditions (the “New Money Offering”).  We anticipate settling the New Money Offering on July 18, 2024.

Prior to the commencement of the Exchange Offer, we announced the commencement of a cash tender offer (the “Cash Tender Offer”) for up to U.S.$100 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.500% senior amortizing notes due 2025.  The Exchange Offer is not conditioned on the successful consummation of the Cash Tender Offer.  Similarly, the Cash Tender Offer is not conditioned on the successful consummation of the Exchange Offer.

This announcement is not deemed to be an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of our securities in the New Money Offering or the Cash Tender Offer.  Neither the New Money Offering nor the Cash Tender Offer is being made pursuant to this announcement. The New Money Offering and the Cash Tender Offer are being made solely on the terms and subject to the conditions set out in a respective separate offer document.

If and when issued, the New Notes and the New Money Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities law or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction.  Therefore, the New Notes and the New Money Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States or to any U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.

Morrow Sodali International LLC will act as the Information and Exchange Agent (as defined in the Exchange Offer Memorandum) for the Exchange Offer. Any questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the Information and Exchange Agent via email to telecomargentina@investor.morrowsodali.com, or at the telephone numbers:  +1 203 658 9457 (Stamford) or +44 20 4513 6933 (London). You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer Documents are available for Eligible Holders at the following web address: https://projects.morrowsodali.com/telecomargentinaexchange.

Subject to applicable law and the requirements of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange on which the Old Notes are listed, the Exchange Offer may be amended, extended or, upon failure of a condition to be satisfied or waived prior to the Expiration Date or Settlement Date, as the case may be, terminated. Although we have no present plans or arrangements to do so, we reserve the right to amend, at any time, the terms of the Exchange Offer in accordance with applicable law. We will give Eligible Holders notice of any amendments and will extend the Expiration Date if required by applicable law.

Eligible Holders of Old Notes are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Old Notes as to when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a beneficial owner in order for that beneficial owner to be able to participate in, or withdraw their instruction to participate in, an Exchange Offer before the deadlines specified in this announcement.  The deadlines set by any such intermediary for the submission of tender instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in this announcement.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this announcement, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations and assumptions on the date of this announcement and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, and factors over which the Company has no control. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and does not intend to do so, unless otherwise required by law.

Important Notice

This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and none of the New Notes has been or will be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities law.  They may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.  This announcement does not constitute an offer of the New Notes for sale, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which any offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.  Any person considering making an investment decision relating to any securities must inform itself independently based solely on an offering memorandum to be provided to eligible investors in the future in connection with any such securities before taking any such investment decision. 

This announcement is directed only to holders of Old Notes who are (i) QIBs, (ii) if outside the United States, holders of Old Notes other than U.S. persons and who are not acquiring New Notes for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person, in offshore transactions in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act, and who are Non-U.S. qualified offerees other than Argentine Entity Offerees and Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction Offerees, (iii) Argentine Entity Offerees or (iv)  Non-Cooperative Jurisdiction Offerees who are authorized to participate in the Exchange Offer.

The distribution of materials relating to the Exchange Offer may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. The Exchange Offer is void in all jurisdictions where it is prohibited. If materials relating to the Exchange Offer come into your possession, you are required by the Company to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the Exchange Offer, including this communication, do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the Exchange Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a dealer manager or any affiliate of a dealer manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the Exchange Offer shall be deemed to be made by the dealer manager or such affiliate on behalf of the Company in that jurisdiction.

Notice to Investors in the EEA

The New 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 Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the “IDD”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded, the “Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been or will be prepared and therefore offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

Notice to Investors in the UK

The New 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 UK. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as 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 EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

The Information and Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

Morrow Sodali International LLC

E-mail: telecomargentina@investor.morrowsodali.com

Exchange Offer Website: https://projects.morrowsodali.com/telecomargentinaexchange

In London

103 Wigmore Street

W1U 1QS

London

Telephone: +44 20 4513 6933

 

In Stamford

333 Ludlow Street,

South Tower, 5th Floor

Stamford, CT 06902

Telephone: +1 203 658 9457

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telecom-argentina-sa-announces-the-commencement-of-the-exchange-offer-relating-to-its-8-000-notes-due-july-18–2026–302195571.html

SOURCE Telecom Argentina S.A.

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Technology

Secretary of State Belanger announces expansion of high-speed Internet access in Saskatchewan

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5 minutes ago

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July 24, 2026

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Federal investment of over $141 million will help connect more than 30,000 homes to high–speed Internet

HUMBOLDT, SK, July 24, 2026 /CNW/ — Reliable and affordable high-speed Internet is essential for all Canadians. It enables access to important online resources, connects friends and families, and drives economic growth and innovation. This is why the Government of Canada is helping bring high-speed Internet access to underserved communities–including Indigenous communities–in Saskatchewan.

Today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, announced over $141 million in federal funding for six projects to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 30,000 households in over 500 rural and remote communities across Saskatchewan.

This 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 it is on track to meet this connectivity target. These projects 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 is no longer just a luxury–it’s essential infrastructure, no matter where you live in Canada. It’s how people access health care virtually, start a business or just stay in touch with their loved ones. That’s why we made a historic commitment to provide 100% of Canadian households with access to high-speed Internet by 2030. The projects announced today are a major milestone for connectivity in Saskatchewan, providing reliable and affordable high-speed Internet to more than 30,000 underserved homes in over 500 rural and remote communities across the province.”
– The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

“In many rural and remote areas, connectivity projects like these face a number of financial and structural barriers. Federal tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank help bridge that gap, ensuring critical infrastructure is built where it otherwise would not be. By supporting initiatives like this, we are advancing economic growth today and helping close the connectivity gap for underserved communities well into the future.”
– The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“Access to dependable high-speed Internet should not be determined by where people live. Thanks to support from the Government of Canada through the Universal Broadband Fund, RFNOW is delivering the infrastructure needed to connect underserved rural and First Nations communities across Saskatchewan. Together, we are building a stronger digital future that will enhance economic development, support essential services and improve quality of life for thousands of Canadians.”
– Chris Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer, RFNOW Inc.

“Every community deserves the opportunity that comes with access to reliable high-speed Internet–and that’s exactly what this investment delivers. In partnership with the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund, Xplore is bringing high-speed Internet connectivity to nearly 20,000 homes and businesses in Saskatchewan. Better connectivity means more than faster downloads–it means students can learn without interruption, families can access health care from home, and local businesses can compete on a level playing field.”
– Brent Johnston, Chief Executive Officer, Xplore Inc.

“Since our establishment in 2007, we have been committed to providing dependable Internet service and strengthening connections in the communities we serve. With support from the Government of Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund, we’re excited to expand our network and introduce new 6 GHz fixed wireless technology capable of delivering speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This project will help more residents of rural and remote communities access the reliable high-speed connectivity they need for work, education, health care, business and everyday life.”
– Allen Stafford, President, Stafford Communications Inc.

“Beaver River Broadband has secured federal Universal Broadband Fund support to deliver fibre-to-the-home infrastructure directly to Peepeekisis Cree Nation. This critical investment guarantees gigabit-capable Internet access that will transform local opportunities in digital education, remote health care and community-led economic development. Crucially, the project underscores the importance of partnering with smaller, regional Internet providers that bring deep community roots, agile deployment and a dedicated focus on serving areas that larger national carriers often overlook. As an Indigenous-led regional provider working closely with First Nations, Beaver River Broadband understands the unique needs of the area and delivers tailored, reliable customer support on the ground. Empowering local providers through initiatives like the Universal Broadband Fund ensures that underserved First Nations are not just connected but also supported by partners invested in their long-term digital sovereignty.”
– John DeGraauw, CEO, Beaver River Broadband

“MCSnet’s fibre-to-the-tower expansion in Saskatchewan will deliver fast, highly reliable Internet access to underserved homes in rural Saskatchewan, courtesy of a dedicated, community-invested provider. As a family-owned company based in the Prairies, we have been serving rural communities with our innovative technology and exceptional customer service for over 30 years.”
– Jerome VanBrabant, Chief Projects Officer, MCSnet

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 the 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 Saskatchewan, 89.2% of households currently have access to high-speed internet.Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $242 million in connectivity projects in Saskatchewan.The Canada Infrastructure Bank has committed more than $2 billion toward digital (broadband) infrastructure, closing last-mile connectivity gaps across Canada.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.Building on the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act, the Government of Canada launched the Prairie Partnership Initiative to build a dynamic, sustainable and inclusive economy in the Prairie provinces.

Associated links

Rural economic developmentHigh-Speed Internet Access DashboardUniversal Broadband FundBackgrounder: Universal Broadband Fund and Telesat low Earth orbit capacity agreementCanada 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+ PeoplePrairie Partnership Initiative

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For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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Fragmented Web Strategies Leave Organizations Exposed as Digital Expectations Rise, Warns Info-Tech Research Group

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July 24, 2026

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Organizations are increasingly focused on modernizing their digital presence to meet rising user expectations, yet many still rely on decentralized content models, inconsistent governance, and legacy platforms. New findings from Info-Tech Research Group show that without a structured web experience management (WEM) strategy, web initiatives often fail to align with business goals and user needs. The firm’s blueprint Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy provides a five-phase framework and tools to help IT leaders strengthen governance and align web priorities with organizational objectives.

ARLINGTON, Va., July 24, 2026 /CNW/ — Organizations continue to invest in digital platforms and web modernization efforts, but progress is often limited by unclear priorities, inconsistent ownership, and a lack of shared performance measures. New insights from Info-Tech Research Group indicate that without a clear understanding of web experience maturity and readiness, digital investments fail to translate into consistent and measurable outcomes. The global research and advisory firm’s recently published blueprint, Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy, provides a structured five-phase methodology to assess current-state capabilities, define priority audiences and journeys, and build a practical roadmap for evolving the web ecosystem in alignment with organizational objectives.

“Web experience management has moved beyond basic websites to become a core driver of growth and engagement,” says Hriday Gulrajani, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “CIOs and IT leaders need to align marketing, data, and technology teams under clear governance and a structured roadmap to deliver consistent, scalable digital experiences.”

Info-Tech’s blueprint shows that many organizations treat web modernization as a technology upgrade rather than a coordinated experience strategy. As a result, content operations remain decentralized, integration between core systems such as CMS, CRM, and analytics platforms is inconsistent, and governance responsibilities are not clearly defined. While capabilities such as personalization, automation, and advanced analytics offer opportunities to improve engagement and operational efficiency, organizations often lack a structured framework for prioritizing initiatives and measuring progress across the web ecosystem.

Key Challenges IT Leaders Face in Web Experience Management
Despite ongoing investment in digital platforms and experience initiatives, many organizations encounter structural and operational barriers that limit progress. Info-Tech’s research highlights several persistent challenges:

Content decisions are often made in silos, resulting in inconsistent messaging, fragmented governance, and unclear ownership across teams.Limited integration between CMS, CRM, analytics, and other core systems restricts visibility into user behavior and makes it difficult to measure and improve web experience performance.Legacy platforms and constrained architectures limit personalization, automation, accessibility, and multichannel delivery capabilities.Misalignment between marketing, IT, and data teams slows decision-making and weakens the organization’s ability to evolve its web ecosystem strategically.

Info-Tech’s Practical Framework for Web Experience Management
To address these challenges, Info-Tech recommends a structured five-phase approach that connects organizational strategy, customer experience priorities, and web execution. The Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint outlines the following priorities for CIOs and IT leaders:

Phase 1: Define Vision & Success Criteria – Align WEM objectives to organizational strategy, define strategic outcomes, and establish experience KPIs to measure performance across digital touchpoints.

Phase 2: Assess Current State & Readiness – Use a web experience maturity model to evaluate capabilities across people, process, technology, and performance, and identify integration gaps and readiness risks.

Phase 3: Understand Audiences & Experience Priorities – Define priority personas, map end-to-end journeys, and translate organizational goals into structured web experience use cases prioritized by value and feasibility.

Phase 4: Architect & Govern the Ecosystem – Establish architecture principles, design the target-state WEM ecosystem, and define governance structures and operating models that clarify roles, ownership, and decision rights.

Phase 5: Launch, Communicate, & Measure – Develop a phased roadmap aligned to key value drivers, implement performance measurement frameworks, and enable continuous optimization across the web ecosystem.

Info-Tech’s Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint is supported by a Web Experience Management Business Case Template and a Web Experience Initiatives Prioritization and Roadmap Planning Tool. These resources are designed to help CIOs and IT leaders build a clear case for modernization, prioritize initiatives based on value and feasibility, and develop phased roadmaps aligned to organizational objectives. By applying this framework and its supporting tools, organizations can strengthen governance, improve cross-functional alignment, and evolve their web ecosystem in a measurable and scalable way.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Hriday Gulrajani, and access to the complete Develop Your Web Experience Management Strategy blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. 

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform. 

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, as well as hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com. 

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains What to Know Before Choosing an Aluminum Fabrication Partner

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5 minutes ago

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July 24, 2026

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The article explains how an integrated fabrication process supports better quality, efficiency, and long-term project success.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should someone look for before selecting an aluminum fabrication partner who can guide a project from the first design sketch through final delivery? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert  Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that explains how the full aluminum production workflow shapes accuracy, consistency, and long-term reliability. The article shows why a clear understanding of each stage in the process helps people make informed decisions before committing to a fabrication partner.

The article begins by explaining that aluminum fabrication involves far more than cutting or welding. It describes how every project moves through a connected chain of design support, extrusion, machining, finishing, and logistics. Each step affects the next, and the article notes that the best results come from choosing an aluminum fabrication partner who keeps these stages aligned. By showing how coordination prevents errors, the article gives readers a practical way to evaluate a potential shop.

Early design support is a major focus of the article. It states that many projects benefit when design engineering is handled in-house because small adjustments to a profile can influence strength, weight, and final performance. The HelloNation article explains that an aluminum fabrication partner with internal design capabilities can review shapes before tooling begins, reducing the risk of delays caused by unrealistic or difficult-to-extrude features. This design stage sets the direction for everything that follows, making it one of the most valuable parts of the process.

The article also examines extrusion, which it calls one of the most specialized stages in aluminum manufacturing. It notes that some shops do not extrude their own material, which forces them to rely on outside mills. That structure can lead to longer schedules and more points of communication. By contrast, an aluminum fabrication partner with direct access to extrusion equipment can control die design, schedule production runs, and manage metal flow more precisely. The article explains that this control reduces variation between batches, which supports stable timelines and more predictable quality.

Machining receives detailed attention as well. The article states that accuracy depends on how well each machine is calibrated for the specific alloy and geometry involved. It describes how a fabricator who machines their own extrusions becomes familiar with how those profiles respond to different tool paths and cutting forces. This familiarity supports tighter tolerances and more dependable results. The article explains that when machining is outsourced, the receiving shop may not know the conditions under which the material was extruded or aged, which can cause small adjustments that affect uniformity across long runs.

Finishing is another important stage explored in the article. It explains how anodizing, powder coating, polishing, or protective layers interact with thickness and alloy. The article notes that when finishing is spread across multiple vendors, the project moves more often, which increases the chance for delays or inconsistency. An aluminum fabrication partner with integrated finishing services can keep color and coating texture more uniform while maintaining a tighter schedule.

Logistics also plays a key role in the article’s guidance. It highlights that aluminum profiles, especially long or delicate ones, require thoughtful packaging, palletizing, and freight planning. A shop with its own logistics team can reduce damage risks and speed up the time between manufacturing and delivery. The article explains that when logistics is outsourced, communication slows down and the chances of errors increase, making it harder to keep a project on schedule.

Tolerance control is another subject the article describes. It explains that aluminum reacts to heat, pressure, and machining forces in predictable ways only when the team understands how the material was formed at every stage. The article notes that when extrusion, aging, machining, and inspection all occur within one operation, teams can maintain a closed loop of information. This reduces the risk of dimensional issues and strengthens consistency from batch to batch.

As the article moves toward its conclusion, it emphasizes that choosing the right aluminum fabrication partner comes down to understanding how many stages the shop directly manages. When a partner controls design, extrusion, machining, finishing, and logistics, communication becomes clearer, and the workflow becomes more predictable. The article explains that this unified structure allows teams to adjust quickly because they understand every step of the operation.

The article ends by stating that dependable performance in aluminum work depends on how well each stage connects to the next. A strong aluminum fabrication partner is defined not by one capability but by how the entire process fits together. This guidance gives readers a practical way to evaluate potential partners and make decisions that support long-term project success.

What to Know Before Choosing an Aluminum Fabrication Partner features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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