After acquiring cable systems throughout the Maritimes, Bragg Communications and Halifax Cablevision merged under the EastLink brand in 1998 resulting in the formation of the sixth largest cable company in Canada. With over 27 years in the entertainment business, EastLink was prepared to enter a new marketplace, one that had not previously been explored by a cable company; telephone.
In 1999, EastLink became the first cable company in Canada to launch local telephone service. While continuing to upgrade its network to offer telephone service, EastLink successfully expanded its high speed Internet service to communities throughout Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. The company was quickly recognized as a world-class provider of communications services.
In the summer of 2000, EastLink launched the "triple-play" communications and entertainment bundle combining Cable, High Speed Internet, and Local Telephone service. EastLink also became the first communications and entertainment company in North America to bundle all services on one bill for one price. Today many communication providers have followed EastLink's lead.
EastLink and Rogers Wireless joined forces in 2004, expanding the EastLink bundle to provide EastLink customers with a 15% bundle discount when they subscribe to Rogers Wireless services. This agreement was the first agreement of its kind in Canada.
EastLink continued to innovate by building on the strength of its high speed Internet service. It increased Internet speeds to 10 Mega bit per second in the summer 2005 and secured its place as one of the fastest Internet providers in North America.
In 2006, EastLink further enhanced its entertainment offerings with the expansion of its high definition programming lineup and OnDemand services. In 2007, EastLink was named as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for 2006 and continues to maintain that designation for 2007.