More details to follow but the Milestone is basically the Motorola Droid but for GSM/HSPA networks.
It’s an Android 2.0 powered phone with a 800×480 display, a slide out QWERTY keyboard, removable memory and a 5 megapixel camera with flash all in a form factor slightly bigger than an iPhone. Yum!
It should be coming to TELUS (and possibly other compatible carriers) in early 2010.
I played with one the other day and couldn’t stop drooling
Rogers Wireless is the first carrier in Canada to launch the BlackBerry Bold 9700. Bell and Telus will also be launching the all new BlackBerry Bold, making it the first time that all three carriers in Canada are selling the same device.
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 offers sophisticated design coupled with high-performance features to offer users a premium smartphone experience. This 3G smartphone ensures you will receive your emails quickly and reliably. The new optical trackpad ensures easy navigation and the multimedia capabilities mean you can have fun and stay connected to the office. The Bold 9700 allows users to live their personal and professional lives to the fullest through power and performance.
Despite what the marketing team at Rogers tells us, the 9700 is commonly referred to as the “Bold” or “Bold 2″ and not the “Curve”. With that cleared up, lets look at the key features of the device.
Enjoy a unique HTML browsing experience with the LG Versa™ and browse up to 3 web pages at one time. The LG Versa™ also features 3 home screens to personalize with contacts, widgets and multimedia for instant access.
The Versa is priced at $79.99/$179.99/$229.99/$279.99 (3 year term to no contract) and features:
3″ high-resolution touchscreen with 3 customizable home screens
Easily navigate with the intuitive 3D S-Class UI from LG
HTML browser for access to social networking sites
2.0 megapixel camera with autofocus, flash and video capture
Bluetooth® technology for stereo and hands-free accessories
Telus Mobility is gearing up for the launch of their HSPA+ network early next month by teasing us with the new rate plans. Termed “Clear and Simple Pricing” the new plans eliminate the addition costs associated with the System Access Fee (SAF) and 9-1-1 fee by building them into the base plan pricing. As a result the base plan will increase $5/month but will actually save the consumer $2.70 per month in addition to gaining voice mail 3. Please note that the removal of the System Access Fee and 9-1-1 fee is only for the new “Clear and Simple Pricing” plans-existing plans and contract will not have this amount credited.
click on the image for a large view
Follow the “more” link for some FAQs about the “Clear and Simple Pricing” plans.
Q. Why is TELUS launching these new plans?
A. TELUS is committed to delivering exceptional client service. We recognize wireless pricing can be confusing. Clear Choice™ rate plans maintain our industry leading position on pricing transparency by making rate plans clear and simple. What you see is what you pay.
Q. Are SAF and 911 TELUS fees included in the price of TELUS Clear Choice™ plans?
A. The expenses to TELUS that are currently covered by the System Access and carrier 911 fees still exist and will be covered by the Clear Choice™ plan rate.
Q. As an existing TELUS client, can I stay on my existing rate plan and remove SAF and carrier 911 fees?
A. No. The expenses covered by System Access and carrier 911 fees still exist, so you must continue to pay the fees while you remain on your existing plan. You have the option to change to Clear Choice™ rate plans as of November 5, but if you choose to do so, you will forfeit the benefits and features of your existing rate plan.
Q. As an existing TELUS client, can I continue to renew on my existing rate plan?
A. Yes, you can. Existing clients will continue to be able to renew their current plan as it exists.
Head over to the Telus website to read all about the “Clear and Simple Pricing” rate plans.
The big three (Rogers, Bell, Telus) have announced they will be bringing the BlackBerry Bold 9700 to Canada.
The 9700 features a 2.44″ screen, 3.2 MP camera, wifi, and GPS. In addition to the previous mentioned features, the 9700 replaces the roller ball with a track pad.
The Bold 2 will be in the starting lineup for Bell and Telus’ new HSPA network, which should be ready for use in November. The 9700 should be up for sale in November in around the $300 price mark on a 3 year term with data.
Also, ending months of speculation and ending Roger’s iPhone exclusivity both TELUS and Bell have announced that they will be offering the iPhone 3G and 3Gs starting in November. Details on that to come later.
Telus Mobility is simplifying international roaming rates as of November 5, 2009. The new rates for text messaging and calls outside of North America only apply to select smartphone models (Moto A840, HTC Touch Pro 2, HTC Snap, BlackBerry 8830, BlackBerry Storm, BlackBerry Tour).
Text Messaging outgoing messages: $0.60/message (no change)
incoming messages: $0.60/message (was $0.35/message)
Calls Outside of North America The number of calling zones have been reduced from five to three. Also flat per minute rates have been introduced for each zone, before there was different rates for “incoming calls”, “in-country calls”, and “calls to US/Canada”.
Western Europe: $2.00/minute
Eurasia, Middle East, Oceania, Caribbean, & Latin America: $3.00/minute
Africa: $4.00/minute
We all know Telus is going to be switching over to HSPA-we just don’t know the launch date of the new network. For those who are loosing faith in Telus the following image should make you a believer again.
I just got a HTC Touch Pro 2 on TELUS. Here’s my unboxing video along with a quick comparison with the SE Xperia x1, Blackberry Tour and Storm, Samsung Omnia i910 and HTC TyTN.
More details to follow but the Milestone is basically the Motorola Droid but for GSM/HSPA networks.
![prepaidjd2009[1]](http://www.howardchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/prepaidjd20091.jpg "prepaidjd2009[1]")
![postpaidjd2009[1]](http://www.howardchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/postpaidjd20091.jpg "postpaidjd2009[1]")
![simple[1]](http://www.howardchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/simple1.gif "simple[1]")
