Technology

Canada is expanding high-speed Internet access in Saskatchewan

Published

5 months ago

June 3, 2024

Federal investment of $160 million will connect 13,700 homes to high-speed Internet and provide mobile connectivity along 500 km of roads

LA RONGE, SK, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ – Fairness for every generation means making sure everyone in Canada has access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet, no matter where they live. That is why the Government of Canada is bringing high-speed Internet access and mobile connectivity to underserved communities—namely Indigenous communities—and roads in Saskatchewan.

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced a total of up to $160 million in federal funding for projects to bring high-speed Internet access to communities across Saskatchewan and provide mobile connectivity along roads in the province.

Up to $105 million of this funding is being allocated to SaskTel for projects that will benefit up to 5,700 households in communities across West Central and Northern Saskatchewan, the majority of which are Indigenous. A list of communities to be connected by these projects, along with full project details, will be released at a later date. In addition, through its Capital Plan, SaskTel will upgrade the speed available in 19 more communities across the province to 50/10 megabits per second (Mbps).

The Minister also announced full details of seven federally funded projects to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 8,000 households, of which 3,200 are Indigenous, and two projects that will provide mobile service along 500 kilometres of roadway within Indigenous communities and along highways. The government will contribute $55 million in total for these projects. The funding recipients are Access Communications Co-operative Ltd., Advanced Interactive Canada Inc., BH Telecom Corp., Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation in partnership with Sequorum Inc., Meadow Lake Tribal Council, and SaskTel.

The Government of Canada’s 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 and mobile connectivity.

Everyone in Canada will have access to high-speed Internet by 2030, and 98% of Canadians will be connected by 2026. Canada is on track to meet its 2026 connectivity targets. These projects will build toward that goal, and the government will continue to invest in infrastructure that creates new opportunities in communities and makes sure they can benefit from all of Canada’s potential.

Quotes

“High-speed Internet is no longer a luxury. The federal funding committed today will bring reliable high-speed Internet to up to 13,700 underserved homes in communities across Saskatchewan and provide mobile connectivity along 500 km of roads. It is only fair that communities large and small have a reliable connection so they can grow their potential in this digital world.”
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Access to reliable high-speed Internet service empowers people in urban, rural and northern communities by offering vital connections to education, health care, economic opportunities, and family and friends. The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring that every corner of our province has access to the tools and technologies needed to thrive in the digital age. I thank the Government of Canada for this funding, which will accelerate and enhance the more than $1 billion in investments that SaskTel is continuing to make to connect more than 225 communities and 85% of Saskatchewan homes to lightning-fast fibre Internet service.”
– Jim Lemaigre, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Athabasca, on behalf of the Honourable Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel

Quick facts

Canada’s Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadians by 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030.Today, 93.5% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014.Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $88 million in connectivity projects in Saskatchewan.

Associated links

Universal Broadband Fund High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy High-Speed Internet Access Dashboard National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map High-speed Internet for all Canadians Rural economic development

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Technology

Doo Group Strengthens Global Reach with CySEC License for Doo Financial

Published

10 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

LIMASSOL, Cyprus , Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Doo Group is proud to announce that Doo Financial, one of its brands, has been awarded a new license by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This achievement strengthens Doo Group’s commitment to providing a secure and regulated trading environment for its clients globally.

Expanding Regulatory Reach

The addition of the CySEC license highlights Doo Group’s extensive regulatory framework, which already spans across multiple financial jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia. This strategic milestone reflects Doo Group’s dedication to ensuring compliance with international regulatory standards and prioritizing client security. As a European Supervisory Authority, CySEC offers a robust regulatory environment and is expected to enhance client confidence. For Doo Group, this new regulatory milestone reinforces its reputation as a trusted, reliable financial services provider.

“Acquiring the new license from CySEC is a significant milestone for Doo Financial, marking a key step in our ongoing growth and strategic expansion. This achievement not only reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of regulatory excellence but also solidifies our position as a trusted, reliable financial institution within Europe. By aligning with CySEC’s rigorous requirements, we are better positioned to offer enhanced services to our clients, foster greater transparency, and ensure long-term stability in an increasingly complex and dynamic financial landscape.” Costas Kappai, Doo Financial EU

Strengthening Client Confidence

Doo Financial EU, the European branch of Doo Financial, is now positioned to serve clients across Europe under the guidelines of a European Supervisory Authority. European clients will benefit from CySEC’s regulatory protections, including client fund safety and transparent business practices, ensuring a secure and trustworthy trading experience. This development allows Doo Financial EU to offer its suite of financial services and trading products to a wider audience, backed by the credibility and oversight of CySEC.

By expanding its regulatory reach, Doo Group continues to strengthen its position in the global financial market, enabling clients to trade with confidence. The CySEC license is another step toward achieving Doo Group’s vision of becoming a leader in financial services.

About Doo Group

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, Doo Group is an international financial services provider with a focus on FinTech. With operations across 10 major business lines—including Brokerage, Wealth Management, Payments, and Digital Marketing—we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive financial solutions that empower our clients to explore a better future.

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Technology

Liberty General Insurance Continues to Drive Insurance Awareness and Inclusion with ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ Initiative Across Delhi and Punjab

Published

10 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

NEW DELHI, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Liberty General Insurance, one of the leading non-life insurance companies in India and the lead insurer for Delhi under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) State Insurance Plan, is spearheading an insurance awareness initiative in Delhi. While there are no gram panchayats in Delhi, Liberty continues to drive insurance awareness through grassroots and digital outreach.

In parallel, Liberty is fulfilling its rural and social obligations by focusing on underserved areas in Punjab. This effort includes a recently initiated awareness campaign across 400 gram panchayats in Punjab to expand insurance penetration and increase accessibility in these regions.

In Delhi, Liberty continues to create awareness under ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ initiative launched in 2023. This October Liberty began with a Door-to-Door Campaign across North-West and North East Delhi, reaching over 1600 households in Karala Village, Budh Vihar, Kanjawala Village and Begumpur, Burari, Kanhiya Nagar, Rampura, and Jahangirpuri, achieving over 25000 impressions. Over nearly a month, Liberty’s teams engaged with residents, distributing leaflets and explaining the benefits of motor and health insurance. This campaign was followed by the ‘Nukkad Natak’ (Street Play) initiative in South Delhi, targeting key neighborhoods of Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Nirman Vihar, Lakshmi Nagar, and Begumpur chowk market. The street plays used interactive performances to educate communities on the importance of insurance and dispel common myths. To reinforce the message, Liberty’s team also disseminated copies of the ‘Wise Ways of Insurance’ booklet—a unique resource developed to demystify insurance products and promote informed decision-making. The booklet, which is being translated into vernacular languages, is also being distributed in other states as part of Liberty’s commitment to financial literacy across India.

Complementing its on-ground efforts, Liberty General Insurance continues to leverage social media to drive targeted insurance awareness campaigns. Recognizing that widespread mobile access allows more people to connect online, Liberty reaches both rural and urban audiences, empowering individuals everywhere with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.

Commenting on this awareness drive, Mr. Parag Ved, CEO & Whole-Time Director, Liberty General Insurance said, “Our ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ campaign is an effort in line with IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ vision, towards empowering communities across Delhi, Punjab, and beyond with the financial security that insurance provides. With general insurance penetration in India still at less than 1% of its GDP, there is a pressing need to educate communities and break down the barriers to understanding the importance of insurance. Liberty will ensure that its wide distribution network makes policies accessible to all, so that every citizen—no matter where they are—can access the financial safety net that insurance offers.”

“Liberty is committed to fostering a culture of financial resilience where every Indian can feel secure about their future. Together, we are building a future where insurance isn’t just a product but a promise of protection and peace of mind,” Mr. Ved added.

Looking ahead, Liberty will be rolling out a transit media campaign across South Delhi in December, utilizing branded auto rickshaws to increase visibility and connect with residents in this vibrant area of the capital. By leveraging transit media, Liberty aims to bring insurance awareness into people’s daily routines, making information accessible in familiar, everyday settings. This campaign builds on the success of previous awareness initiatives and reinforces Liberty’s commitment to educating and empowering individuals about insurance.

About Liberty General Insurance

Liberty General Insurance Ltd. (LGI) is a joint venture between Summit Asia Investment Holdings PTE Ltd.— a group company of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, a diversified global insurer with over 900 offices across the world, headquartered in the U.S., Enam Securities, and Diamond Dealtrade. LGI commenced operations in 2013 with the aim of providing comprehensive retail, commercial and industrial insurance solutions. The company has an employee strength of 1100+ with presence across 100+ locations in 28 states and UTs. Its partner network consists of about 6000+ hospitals and more than 5000 auto service centres. The company offers health and personal accident insurance, car and two-wheeler insurance, employee compensation insurance, commercial insurance, engineering insurance, marine insurance, liability insurance and property insurance among other products in India.

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Technology

Hikvision unveils WonderHub and elevates smart collaboration across industries

Published

10 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 15, 2024 /CNW/ — Hikvision unveiled its fully upgraded smart collaboration business. The event showcased a range of innovative products designed to transform collaboration in education, meetings, retail, and more. Among the highlights were cutting-edge solutions like WonderHub interactive displays, digital signage, and video conference devices. These products underscore Hikvision’s commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing user experiences in an increasingly connected world.

At the heart of this ecosystem is WonderHub, which features WonderOS, an AI-powered platform that seamlessly connects devices and enhances collaboration. With tools like WonderSpark for interactive whiteboards and WonderCast for wireless content sharing, WonderHub enables users to communicate, create, and collaborate more effectively than ever.

Boosting Classroom Engagement with Innovative Solutions

In education, WonderHub is designed to elevate classroom experiences. The interactive displays enable students to share and express ideas effortlessly, creating a more engaging and dynamic learning environment. The built-in WonderSpark smart whiteboard software uses AI to recognize equations, provide solutions, and generate interactive 3D teaching materials across subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and natural sciences. Teachers can also access licensed images and videos through Creative Commons integration, enriching lesson content and boosting student engagement.

Classrooms equipped with WonderHub also benefit from multi-window modes and a suite of 19 educational tools. These include subject-specific templates and interactive applications. For remote learning, WonderHub integrates seamlessly with third-party conferencing platforms, allowing students to collaborate in real-time, no matter their location.

Empowering Business Meetings with Intelligent Features

Hikvision’s smart collaboration solutions transform business meetings into more efficient and immersive experiences. The WonderHub Ultra Series allows users to easily connect personal devices and leverage the interactive display’s camera, speakers, and microphone for high-quality remote conferencing. The HiSpire meeting management system streamlines meeting logistics, including room scheduling, attendee notifications, post-meeting summaries, and distribution of materials.

Advanced AI features, such as auto-framing and speaker tracking, ensure optimal video quality. Meanwhile, app-free screen casting allows for easy sharing of presentation materials. The X12 and X28 audio-video cameras offer enterprises tailored setups to suit meeting rooms of any size, ensuring seamless communication with high-definition video and precise audio capture.

Transforming Retail Spaces with Dynamic Digital Signage

Hikvision has also advanced its digital signage solutions to enhance customer engagement in retail scenarios. The vibrant displays and centralized content management allow retailers to effectively capture attention. High-brightness window displays attract passersby with promotions and new product highlights. Meanwhile, floor-standing signage supports interactive features, such as self-service ordering. The HikCentral FocSign platform enables retailers to remotely manage and distribute content across multiple locations, improving operational efficiency and ensuring consistent branding.

These digital signage solutions, including the DP and DL series, boast superior brightness and clarity, ensuring visibility even in strong lighting conditions. The displays run on Hikvision’s self-developed platform and support WonderCast wireless casting, enabling quick and easy content sharing from various devices.

Since entering the smart collaboration market in 2017, Hikvision has rapidly become a leading global player. With over 300,000 units sold across more than 140 countries and regions, Hikvision’s smart collaboration business exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design. As a key highlight of this evolution, the fully upgraded WonderHub represents the next leap forward in smart collaboration technology.

By bridging advanced technology with practical applications, WonderHub, along with Hikvision’s broader range of smart collaboration solutions, is leading the way in providing more efficient and intelligent solutions for users worldwide.

For more information about Hikvision’s smart collaboration products and solutions, please visit Hikvision’s official website.

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SOURCE Hikvision Digital Technology