Eastlink Completed Major Mobile Network Transformation

The company has finished upgrading its core mobile infrastructure using new Nokia 5G Standalone technology.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Telecommunications

Isometric editorial illustration of a cellular antenna array against a solid background, representing infrastructure modernization.
Eastlink has finalized a major mobile network transformation, integrating new 5G standalone core technology to boost network capacity across Canada. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Eastlink has finished a significant transformation of its core mobile network by integrating Nokia 5G Standalone Core technology. This move follows a year of heavy investment aimed at improving the reliability and capacity of the network for customers across Canada.

Why it matters

The upgrade is designed to improve the flexibility, performance, and scalability of the network to meet rising demand. By enhancing its infrastructure, the company aims to support long-term growth and improve connectivity for users throughout the region.

The completed network transformation leverages Nokia 5G Standalone Core technology across the existing infrastructure. The system currently includes over 1,200 active sites, with an additional 180 sites currently under development.

The players

Eastlink

This is a telecommunications company that provides mobile and internet services across parts of Canada.

Nokia

This is a multinational telecommunications and technology corporation that provides 5G core equipment.

The details

The recent upgrade project, announced in Halifax, Nova Scotia, includes a variety of installation methods such as new tower builds, rooftop sites, and small cell technology. This modernization is part of a broader effort to optimize mobile performance and network resilience.

Timeline

  1. Eastlink launched its mobile service in 2013.

  2. The company invested $30 million in mobile services over the past year.

  3. Eastlink announced the completed core network transformation on October 14, 2026.

The Tech Race

The adoption of 5G Standalone Core technology represents a transition away from hybrid 5G architectures toward fully cloud-native mobile systems. This shift positions the company to compete more effectively by replacing legacy core systems with modern, flexible infrastructure.

Customers can expect more reliable connectivity and increased network capacity as a direct result of the core infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are intended to support smoother mobile experiences and better performance for data-heavy applications.

The takeaway

Ongoing infrastructure investment is essential for telecommunications providers to maintain service reliability as mobile data demands continue to climb. Consumers benefit from these large-scale capital projects through improved network stability and expanded coverage in their local areas.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest industry developments in Telecommunications.

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Do you trust that your mobile service provider prioritizes network reliability for your community?