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

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

Head over to Telus to learn more or to purchase.

live_strong

Prepaid

Virgin Mobile: 752
Fido: 654
Telus Mobility: 653
industry average: 662

Postpaid

Virgin Mobile: 758
Koodo Mobile: 755
SaskTel: 716
industry average: 642

Read the complete press release on the J.D. Power website.

live_strong

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.

live_strong

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.

live_strong

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.

You can sign up for updates from TELUS here.

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

live_strong

live_strong