For many Telus customers, myself included, November 5th 2009 is the day we’ve long been waiting for.
Up until now, Rogers/Fido have had Canadian exclusivity on the Apple iPhone. This is mainly due to the fact that competitors like Bell and Telus, operating on CDMA networks, are incompatible to the iPhone — which requires a GSM network, not to mention a SIM card. (Basically, they operate on different radio bands, and different technology altogether.)
As of November, both Bell and Telus (the duo referred to as “Belus” by some) will officially launch their new HSPA/HSPA+ network, which includes support for 3G-based cellphones such as the iPhone, not to mention a myriad of others. Claiming theoretical network speeds multiple times faster than current 3G standards, and a massive coverage area, the launch will open the doors for thousands of new clients, and give an opportunity to less-than-happy Fido or Rogers customers looking for an alternative.
While pricing for the handsets themselves seems to be in-line with expectations, neither network has officially announced voice/data plans for the devices. An interesting, if not somewhat vague note in an announcement email I received from Telus today includes the following: “Pricing available to clients (new and renewal) who activate on a 3 year term with a Smartphone voice and data rate plan of $50 or greater.” Whether this means existing plans are valid, isn’t entirely clear. The networks tend to separate their data plans from the voice plans, so does this mean your total package must exceed $50, or just the data portion of it? One tends to wonder if existing (grandfathered) unlimited-data plans will be applicable, but this seems highly unlikely.
At any rate, for those intending to make the switch, start saving your money and get ready for iPhone madness (again), as there is sure to be a mad rush to obtain the device before the Christmas season. Device pricing will be as follows:
- 8GB 3G: $99.99 with 3-year contract; $599.99 without
- 16GB 3GS: $199.99 with 3-year contract; $699.99 without
- 32GB 3GS: $299.99 with 3-year contract; $799.99 without
- There will be pricing available on smaller-term contracts as well, adjusted accordingly.
So, will you make the switch?
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