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TELUS invests $9.6 million in the Chaudière-Appalaches region

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These investments are paired with a significant contribution from the Government of Quebec and the CRTC to expand wireless connectivity to rural and remote communities

SAINTE-MARIE, QC, Sept. 16, 2024 /CNW/ – TELUS is pleased to announce a $9.6 million private investment in the Chaudière-Appalaches region this year to deploy and update its networks. This investment is paired with the financial contribution of $2.7 million from the Government of Quebec and $2.2 million from the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) that will allow for the addition of 20 new 5G wireless sites in the region.

The investments from the Government of Quebec announced in April 2024 will allow for the addition of 16 new sites that will increase the service level for cellular coverage. Among the sites are the municipalities of Frampton (2), Saint-Benjamin, Saint-Cyrille-de-Lessard (2), Saint-Damase-de-L’Islet, Saint-Damien-de-Buckland, Saint-Édouard-de-Lotbinière, Saint-Malachie, Saint-Marcel, Saint-Narcisse-de-Beaurivage, Saint-Nérée-de-Bellechasse, Saint-Omer, Sainte-Apolline-de-Patton, Sainte-Félicité and Sainte-Perpétue. Planning and preparatory work will begin in 2024. TELUS plans for the first sites to be operational in 2025.As part of the CRTC Fund, the details of which were revealed last year, two new wireless sites will be activated in Saint-Pamphile and Saint-Adalbert by the end of the year. Activation of a second site Saint-Adalbert and one in Saint-Paul-de-Montminy will begin in 2025.

Quotes

“Generational investments in our world-class networks are crucial to keeping Quebecers connected to people, information, and essential resources, as well as benefiting from all the innovation and evolution of our portfolio of products and services supported by the power of these networks,” says Nathalie Dionne, Regional Vice-President, Marketing, TELUS. “Connectivity supports the development of our regions, strengthens their appeal and accelerates their environmental transition. It also contributes to bridging the digital and socioeconomic gaps, offering every member of society the opportunity to reach their full potential. Although our private investments are crucial, we commend the commitments from the Government of Quebec and the CRTC to improve wireless coverage in our regions.”

“As a significant corporate and charity partner for several years in the region, TELUS is once again showing its commitment to bridging the digital gaps and improving the quality of life for our communities and the services they offer,” says Gaétan Vachon, Warden of the RCM de La Nouvelle-Beauce. “I’m very pleased that our region can enjoy this leading-edge technology. It will ensure a promising future.”

“The investments by TELUS in the construction of new wireless sites this year are a crucial step to strengthen our region’s connectivity and support the economic and social development of our community,” says Pascal Fournier, Mayor of Saint-Nérée-de-Bellechasse. “The improved connectivity gives us the chance to expand our potential for growth and maintain our appeal for the entire population. Thanks to these investments, the lack of connectivity will no longer be an obstacle to the development of our community.”

“Frampton is one of the municipalities in the Chaudière-Appalaches region that attracts the most tourists. Therefore, it was imperative that our community enjoy high-performing cellular connectivity across its entire territory,” says Jean Audet, Mayor of Frampton. “I’m very excited about these investments by TELUS and the Government of Quebec, not only for the sustainability of tourism in Frampton, but also for our citizens and thriving small and medium businesses.”

Sustainable investments for a better future

TELUS plans to invest $73 billion in Canada by 2028, including $10 billion in the Quebec economy, for its infrastructure, operations and spectrum licensing and to improve the coverage, speed and reliability of its world-class networks.

TELUS distinguishes itself by its ambitious vision for community giving and its team’s dedication to putting the company’s “We give where we live” philosophy into practice. From 2023 to today, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has given close to $100,000 to several local organizations that have an impact on youth in the Chaudière-Appalaches region for different projects, including Association renaissance des Appalaches, Maison de la famille Nouvelle-Beauce and Alliance jeunesse des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. This generosity reflects TELUS’ core belief that business success goes hand in hand with community involvement.

The investments announced in this news release reflect TELUS’ overall capital expenditure guidance for 2024, which was released on February 9, 2024 during the company’s fourth financial quarter of 2023.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements about future events and plans, including statements relating to TELUS’ infrastructure, operations, services and spectrum investment plans, anticipated connections to our PureFibre network footprint, and our environmental targets. These forward-looking statements are made based on a number of assumptions, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them as there is significant risk that actual results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements, including as a result of risks relating to regulatory decisions and developments, the competitive environment in which we operate, and our operating and financial results.

The forward-looking statements in this news release are subject to a cautionary note and based on the assumptions, qualifications and risks described in detail in TELUS’ annual management reports for 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, which are incorporated by reference herein, and in other TELUS public disclosure documents and filings with securities commissions in Canada (on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca) and in the United States (on EDGAR at sec.gov). Forward-looking statements describe TELUS’ expectations and are based on our assumptions as of the date of this news release, and are therefore subject to change. These statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except as required by law, TELUS neither intends nor is obligated to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained in this document.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $20 billion in annual revenue and over 19 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS Digital Experience (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and others.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering nearly 72 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.7 billion, including 2.2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us at @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For more information, please contact:

Camille Finnegan
TELUS Media Relations
camille.finnegan@telus.com

SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.

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IBM Unveils Its Most Advanced Quantum Computer in Chicago, Marking a Milestone for Illinois’s Quantum Future

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Hosted by the University of Chicago, IBM Quantum System Two is now operational at Hyde Park Labs and will be a prominent fixture of Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) upon the site’s completion.

IBM’s first quantum computer in Illinois extends the company’s industry and academic partnerships across the state, enabling the Illinois ecosystem and beyond to scale quantum algorithms and applications.

CHICAGO, Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM), the University of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) today unveiled an IBM Quantum System Two in Chicago, IBM’s first quantum computer in Illinois and the company’s most advanced system available. Initially located at Hyde Park Labs and hosted by the University of Chicago, the system is fueled by IBM Quantum Nighthawk, the most powerful quantum chip IBM has ever built.

Today, organizations across Illinois are already working with IBM to explore how quantum computing can scale to computationally difficult challenges. The new system aims to catalyze the state’s robust ecosystem of scientists, universities, national laboratories, startups, and enterprises, many of whom are collaborating with IBM in Chicago within IQMP’s National Quantum Algorithm Center (NQAC) to develop the next generation of algorithms and applications. As the anchor system of NQAC, which was established in 2024 by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker with IBM as a leading member, the new quantum computer will ultimately be moved to IQMP, a first-of-its-kind campus in Chicago currently being built to develop and scale quantum technology and microelectronics innovation.

“IBM is proud to deploy our first quantum computer of IQMP — an IBM Quantum System Two. Today, it can deliver scientifically useful results to organizations across the state of Illinois and beyond,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM. “As IBM’s first quantum computer in Illinois, the system’s deployment marks a milestone for Illinois’ quantum community and builds on IBM’s partnerships across the state as we expand quantum research across academia and industries.”

“I want the next generation of breakthroughs to happen in Illinois and the jobs and opportunity that come with them to benefit the people of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the unveiling of IBM’s Quantum System Two in Hyde Park, we are giving researchers and businesses the tool to turn big ideas into real-world solutions. With our growing partnership with IBM, we are building an industry that will give Illinoisans more career opportunities and build a future right here at home.”

“The presence of IBM’s first quantum computer in Illinois, the company’s most advanced system available, is a testament to what’s possible when partners across government, industry and academia work together toward a shared vision,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. “Today reflects the unique strength of Illinois’ quantum ecosystem. We’re thrilled to see IBM Quantum System Two at Hyde Park Labs while the Park is under construction, and we’re more energized than ever to welcome it to the IQMP, where it will anchor the National Quantum Algorithm Center and further establish Illinois as the global destination for quantum innovation.”

“The deployment of IBM’s Quantum System Two represents the culmination of a years-long partnership that brought together academia, government, and private industry to usher in a new generation of discovery. I am delighted that this machine is being unveiled here in Hyde Park, where our neighbors and community will have a view into the future,” said University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos.

“IBM Quantum System Two brings another critical capability to Illinois’ growing quantum ecosystem and showcases the collaboration that makes our state such a draw,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “For companies developing quantum technologies and applications, access to advanced computing systems, leading researchers, and industry partners in one place is a powerful advantage. This investment strengthens Illinois’ position as a destination for companies looking to innovate, grow, and help shape the future of quantum computing.”

This new IBM Quantum System Two advances IBM’s mission to bring useful quantum computing to the world and extends the company’s commitment to advancing Illinois as a global epicenter for quantum innovation.

Since NQAC’s founding, IBM has helped grow the center into a hub within Chicago where industry leaders work side-by-side with IBM researchers to build quantum applications that can scale alongside technical progress in the field. This includes NQAC Grand Challenge participants Deloitte and AbbVie, who are working with IBM and Northwestern University to build quantum molecular simulation approaches for researchers engaging in drug discovery.

Other Grand Challenges participants working with IBM include EPRI and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.) to explore how quantum optimization algorithms could lead to more efficient power grids.

Additionally, research institutions and national labs such as Fermilab are working with IBM in Illinois to accelerate high-energy physics research with quantum and advance technologies for distributed quantum computing. 

IBM is also teaming with leading universities such as the University of Chicago and U. of I. to push technological progress in quantum computing. For example, IBM and the University of Chicago recently demonstrated quantum advantage over leading classical methods using an approach with guaranteed correctness.

Now, IBM’s quantum computing technology is being brought physically into Chicago. Through NQAC, the new quantum computer will empower Illinois’ quantum community to develop new algorithms and applications that will translate to real-world impact. And it will serve as a catalyst for developing Illinois’ current and future quantum workforce. Earlier this year, IBM announced it would establish the FutureNow Chicago center at the IQMP in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, to bring 750 jobs to the region across AI, cybersecurity, data science, quantum computing and other technologies. 

With the arrival of IBM Quantum System Two, Chicago and the State of Illinois will be cemented as a leading destination for quantum innovation, industrialization, and workforce development.

Supporting Quotes

“IBM’s continued partnership and the unveiling of IBM Quantum System Two mark an exciting moment for the industry and our state’s quantum ecosystem,” said Brad Henderson, CEO of P33. “Deepening collaboration between industry, our universities, national labs, and state government is what sets us apart and further cements Illinois as a global leader in quantum technology.”

“We are proud to contribute the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s expertise and decades of leadership in supercomputing alongside our higher education and corporate partners,” said Illinois Chancellor Charles L. Isbell, Jr. “As a public-serving university, Illinois’ mission is to advance education, research, and economic opportunity across the state, and we’re excited to engage in work that translates the brilliance of Illinois faculty into tangible, real-world impact that affirms the state of Illinois and Chicago as the epicenter of the next generation of technological progress.”

“This is a significant milestone in advancing Illinois’ quantum economy and turning our state’s world-class research capabilities into real-world economic opportunity,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards. “Through the State’s leadership and strategic investments in quantum, we are building an ecosystem for long-term industry growth, new business investment, and high-quality jobs.”

About IBM

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. 

For more information, visit https://research.ibm.com. 

Media contacts: 

Brittany Forgione
IBM
Brittany.forgione@ibm.com

Erin Angelini
IBM
Edlehr@us.ibm.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibm-unveils-its-most-advanced-quantum-computer-in-chicago-marking-a-milestone-for-illinoiss-quantum-future-302932368.html

SOURCE IBM

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Parliamentary Secretary Rochefort to participate in a milestone event

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HUNTSVILLE, ON, Nov. 6, 2026 /CNW/ — Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State for Rural Development, on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, will take part in a forestry milestone event. Media availability will follow.  

Date: Monday, November 9, 2026

Time: 9 a.m. ET

All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Details on how to participate will be provided upon registration.

Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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IDP Introduces Agent-Native System of Action, Unifying Humans and AI Agents in One Enterprise Workspace

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Powered by proprietary Universal Agent Protocol™ (UAP), IDP unifies AI agent development, reasoning, orchestration, customer intelligence and enterprise execution. Tim Dahle and Red Rock Auto Group report 2X the appointment conversion rate of traditional BDC operations.

CAPE CORAL, Fla., Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IDP (ID Privacy AI), an agentic AI technology company, today introduced its Agent-Native System of Action, a unified enterprise platform that enables human employees and AI agents to share customer intelligence, coordinate workflows and execute business tasks across existing enterprise systems.

Powered by its proprietary Universal Agent Protocol™ (UAP), IDP combines AI agent development, intelligent reasoning, multi-agent orchestration, persistent customer intelligence and enterprise execution in one operating environment. 

Through MyIDP.app, employees and AI agents collaborate within a shared workspace while existing CRM, DMS, scheduling and communication platforms remain in place.

To learn more about IDP, its platform and solutions, visit https://www.tryidp.com. 

The announcement is supported by customer-reported results from Tim Dahle and Red Rock Auto Group, where Josh Worthington, Vice President of Operations, reports a 12% appointment conversion rate compared with approximately 6% through traditional BDC operations, representing twice the reported conversion rate.

“The difference with IDP has been incredible,” said Worthington. That’s double the conversion rate, and we’re accomplishing it with technology designed to actually execute the work.”

Solving Decades of Enterprise Fragmentation

“For decades, automotive software has been fragmented, leaving dealerships with disconnected data and workflows,” says Albert Thompson, Founder and CEO of IDP. “Adding standalone AI agents to this broken infrastructure only compounds the chaos. Instead of more disjointed tools, IDP’s Agent-Native System of Action connects existing investments through a universal execution layer.”

From AI Conversations to Completed Business Outcomes

For automotive retailers, the difference between conversational AI and operational execution is particularly visible in service scheduling.

An AI agent may successfully answer a customer’s call, but completing the request requires access to customer records, dealership policies, scheduling availability and operational systems.

When those systems remain disconnected, employees must manually complete or verify the work.

“Automotive AI providers often fail to connect customer conversations with execution,” Worthington noted. “Our previous platform couldn’t schedule appointments or generate tasks, forcing employees to manually review every interaction. Instead of eliminating work, it just created another system for them to babysit.”

IDP’s approach prioritizes completed business outcomes, including confirmed appointments, coordinated follow-up, exception handling and operational visibility.

Systems of record preserve business information. IDP’s System of Action coordinates the work.

Dealer Leadership Perspective: The Future of Automotive AI

As automotive retailers evaluate AI adoption, dealer leadership is increasingly focused on technologies that connect existing investments, support employees and deliver measurable operational value.

Paul Sansone Jr., Founder, Sansone Jr Auto Group 

“My advice to operators is simple: the train is already moving, and it’s moving fast. I really believe the dealerships that figure out how to combine great people with great technology are going to have a significant competitive advantage over the next several years.”

The Technology Behind IDP’s Agent-Native System of Action

IDP’s platform combines five complementary capabilities designed to support the lifecycle of enterprise AI agents, from development and deployment through reasoning, orchestration, execution and human collaboration.

Agent Studio: AI Agent Development and Management. IDP’s Agent Studio enables businesses to configure, deploy and manage AI agents across voice, SMS, email and web channels. Reusable agent configurations support business-specific workflows, operating policies and escalation requirements.Intelligent Reasoning and Multi-Agent Orchestration. IDP’s reasoning and orchestration capabilities are designed to interpret customer intent, apply shared context, coordinate multi-step workflows and delegate supported actions between agents and employees. Business rules and human oversight help govern execution.Universal Agent Protocol™ (UAP): Enterprise Execution. UAP is IDP’s proprietary business-action abstraction, orchestration and execution framework. It is designed to translate business objectives into authorized actions across supported CRM, DMS, scheduling and enterprise applications. Unlike connectivity protocols that primarily expose tools to AI applications, UAP addresses the additional requirements of coordinating business workflows, applying permissions, managing exceptions and verifying outcomes.Context Graph: Unified Customer Intelligence. IDP’s Context Graph connects available customer identity, vehicle relationships, website signals, communication history and operational events across supported systems. By combining existing records with available real-time signals, it creates a continuously enriched customer context that employees and agents can use throughout sales, service and ownership lifecycle interactions.MyIDP.app: The Human-Agent Enterprise Workspace. MyIDP.app provides a shared working environment where employees and AI agents can review conversations, coordinate tasks, guide agent behavior and manage exceptions. Employees can direct supported agent workflows and customer engagement while maintaining visibility into operational activity, using: Teach to provide guidance to agentsTell to direct supported actionsBlasts for configured customer outreach

“The future isn’t humans versus AI,” Thompson said. “It’s humans and AI working as one team. Employees should be able to teach agents, delegate work, understand what’s happening and step in when their judgment matters.”

Built in Automotive. Designed for Enterprise.

IDP’s technology has supported more than 130,000 booked automotive appointments, providing operating experience across customer engagement, scheduling and dealership workflows.The company has developed its platform within an automotive ecosystem that includes dealership groups, enterprise software integrations and OEM certification programs involving Nissan, INFINITI and Mitsubishi.IDP’s architecture is designed to support both its own AI agents and compatible third-party agent technologies, creating opportunities for enterprises and software partners to use shared intelligence and execution capabilities without replacing existing systems of record.The company is exploring applications beyond automotive, including retail, hospitality and home services, where fragmented software, customer engagement and workforce coordination present similar challenges.

Automotive retail provides a demanding proving ground for agent-native execution, with customer interactions spanning multiple systems, departments and communication channels.

“Automotive is where we’re building and proving this model, but the problem exists in almost every industry,” Thompson said. “The next major shift in enterprise software isn’t another CRM, another dashboard or another AI assistant. It’s a System of Action where humans and AI agents share the intelligence, authority and infrastructure to actually get things done.”

To learn more about IDP and the System of Action, visit https://tryidp.com. You can see the system in action, listen to sample calls, and work with an IDP AI agent to schedule a demo.

About IDP

IDP (ID Privacy AI) is an agentic AI technology company developing an Agent-Native System of Action for automotive retail and enterprise operations.

Its platform combines AI agent development, intelligent reasoning, multi-agent orchestration, proprietary Universal Agent Protocol™ (UAP), persistent customer intelligence through Context Graph, and human-agent collaboration through MyIDP.app.

IDP connects AI-powered voice, SMS, email and web engagement with existing enterprise systems and supported business workflows.

Headquartered in Cape Coral, Florida, IDP is advancing an operating model in which humans and AI agents share intelligence, coordinate actions and complete measurable business work.

Website: https://tryidp.com 

Media Contact:
Albert Thompson
Founder & CEO, IDP
albert@idprivacy.ai
443-370-9143

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/idp-introduces-agent-native-system-of-action-unifying-humans-and-ai-agents-in-one-enterprise-workspace-302932276.html

SOURCE ID Privacy, Inc.

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