Eastlink announced Wednesday it has completed a multi-million-dollar core mobile network transformation using Nokia 5G standalone core technology.
The Halifax-based telecom also said it is committing another $12 million to further modernize its mobile network, including adding new sites across Atlantic Canada.
“Since we launched our mobile service in 2013, we’ve worked hard to build and continuously strengthen a world-class network,” Jeff Gillham, CEO of Eastlink, said in a press release. “This latest advancement, in partnership with Nokia, a global leader in critical network connectivity, not only meets today’s increasing demand for capacity but it also positions us well for future growth. It reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver the best possible mobile experience with connectivity our customers rely on today and for years to come.”
“A modern, cloud-native core network is critical to delivering the performance, resilience and flexibility that operators need as mobile services continue to evolve,” Kal De, senior vice president of core networks at Nokia, said in a statement. “Eastlink’s deployment of Nokia’s 5G Standalone Core accelerates its ability to scale, introduce new capabilities and deliver a consistently high-quality customer experience.”
Eastlink said it has invested $30 million over the past year in the expansion and modernization of its mobile services.
“Our ongoing investments in radio network modernization and expansion includes new tower builds in more rural areas like East LaHave and New Germany in Nova Scotia, and Cornwall and New Glasgow in PEI, to name a few as well as additional in-building and rooftop sites, and small cell installations,” said Steve Irvine, vice president of engineering and chief technology officer at Eastlink. “Together, these investments are delivering faster and more reliable connectivity, reduced dropped calls, and broadened coverage — performance capabilities our customers count on every day.”
In total, Eastlink has invested more than $600 million in building, maintaining and upgrading its mobile network, systems and services across its Canadian footprint, it said. The company’s network includes a total of more than 1,200 sites including standalone towers, colocations, rooftop and in-building sites, and small cell deployments with an additional 180 new sites in progress, Eastlink said.
