HALIFAX and QUISPAMSIS, N.B. – They’re not completely out, but they’re not in, either.
The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance and its largest member, EastLink, are going their separate ways in 2008. It’s not an acrimonious breakup mind you, or a complete separation, but it’s a break just the same.
With its purchase of Persona Communications finalized last year – alongside the acquisition of Amtelecom Communications and RuSh Communications in 2007, EastLink now has over half a million cable customers – a figure which comprised over half of the cable customers the CCSA represents through its cable…
Continue Reading
HALIFAX – EastLink is celebrating the new year with three new long distance plans.
The company said in a press release the new plans “will offer customers long distance choice and the benefits of unlimited calling with no network access fees.”
“EastLink is the first to introduce an unlimited plan that allows residents of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to enjoy unlimited calling between the provinces for the low monthly rate of $10 per month,” continues the release.
For more, go to www.eastlink.ca.
Continue Reading
HALIFAX – Thanks to EastLink and its programming partners from across Canada, the cable company’s customers will be able to hide from winter while watching up to 60 TV channels for free.
The EastLink January Freeview taking place from January 1st to January 31st, 2008 will give digital customers the opportunity to sample original programming offered by some of the most popular digital cable channels available.
"The January Freeview is an exclusive opportunity for our Digital Cable customers to sample the diverse and exciting programs available through EastLink Digital Cable," said Ian Lezama, director of marketing, in a release….
Continue Reading
ST. JOHN’S – Persona Communications (now EastLink) and MTS Allstream have completed an undersea fibre leg to Newfoundland.
“This expansion was the final leg of a coast-to-coast national fibre-optic network designed to provide MTS Allstream customers with cost effective, advanced IP-based products and services,” says the MTS Allstream press release.
MTS Allstream participated in the consortium led by Persona Communications, now owned by EastLink, in this major redundant fibre optic build stretching from Halifax, Nova Scotia to St. John’s, Newfoundland, as did the N&L provincial government (of course, making it an official hot potato earlier in 2007). “The…
Continue Reading
HALIFAX – EastLink announced Monday that it’s expanding its presence in the retail market to include the Future Shop chain. Beginning the week of November 26, consumers can purchase EastLink digital boxes, including EastLink’s high definition and digital video recorder while they purchase a new television at Maritime Future Shop locations.
“We are excited to expand our retail presence by working with Future Shop, Canada’s largest Consumer Electronics Retailer to showcase our range of digital products,” said Ian Lezama, Director of Marketing for EastLink. “Giving EastLink products and services this holiday season allows customers to share the entertainment experience…
Continue Reading
HALIFAX – EastLink announced today the launch of Astral Media’s subscription video on demand service Mpix OnDemand.
Beginning today, all EastLink Digital cable customers who subscribe to Mpix (formerly Moviepix) will have free access to Mpix OnDemand.
Beginning November 26th, all subscribers to The Movie Network will also receive a free preview of the full Mpix suite of channels including Mpix, Mescape and MPix OnDemand. The free preview will conclude on February 27, 2008.
www.eastlink.ca
Continue Reading
SUMMERSIDE, PEI – EastLink announced Wednesday it’s investing $6 million in its communication network in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The upgrades slated to be completed by spring 2008 will result in new services and enhancements to existing services.
Specifically, the investment will result in EastLink OnDemand and high-definition programming being available in Summerside and the nearby communities of Slemon Park, Kensington and Miscouche.
It will also set the stage for EastLink to launch other services, such as telephony.
Appointments will be made with Current EastLink customers to transition them to the new network.
“We have a long history of…
Continue Reading
GATINEAU – The CRTC announced yesterday that it has junked its idea to allow limited access to confidential information between parties in a dispute.
As first reported by Cartt.ca, the Commission said about a month ago it was “of the view that there may be instances where, in order for a party to be able to participate meaningfully in a proceeding, it must receive some access to confidential information. In order to allow for meaningful participation while respecting the confidential nature of certain information, the Commission proposes to grant confidential access under certain conditions in broadcasting and telecom…
Continue Reading
HALIFAX – "Our third quarter results met our expectations and we are on track to achieve our targets for 2007," said Stephen Wetmore, President and CEO of Bell Aliant on the release of the company’s third quarter results today.
"I am also pleased that this quarter marked the beginnings of a more positive regulatory environment for local service. We have already acted on this to bring new offers to our customers and they will continue to benefit from our ability to more quickly and effectively meet their needs within this environment."
As readers will recall, the CRTC eliminated…
Continue Reading
WITH THE CLOSING OF the Persona purchase by Bragg Communications (owners of EastLink) last last month, the Canadian cable industry lost one of its leading champions – and true characters.
Dean MacDonald worked his way up through the industry beginning at Avalon Cable in Newfoundland 25 years ago, evenutally rising to president of Danny Williams’ Cable Atlantic. The exploits of Dean and Danny are part of industry lore and this reporter once published a photo of the both of them dressed as Carmen Miranda, giant fruity headresses and all.
When Cable Atlantic was sold to Rogers Cable in 1999…
Continue Reading
