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Google starts selling Nexus One in Canada


Google begins shipping Nexus One in Canada, Verizon version soon expected, smartphone war intensifies

Google today announced the availability of its flagship Nexus One smartphone on the AT&T network and on Rogers Wireless in Canada.

The company is offering the Nexus One directly to consumers for use on either of the two networks for $529, without any telecom subsidy in sight at least for now. There is no comment from the two carriers as to whether or not they would subsidize the device.

The Nexus One is currently offered exclusively through T-Mobile in the U.S. priced at $179 on a two-year term.

Google originally announced it intended to offer a version of the Nexus One for use on the Verizon network by spring 2010. Reports today indicate the Verizon version could launch on March 23, 2010.

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Canadian telecoms test unified video-calling network


The top telecoms in Canada, including Bell, Telus, and Rogers, today completed testing a new video-calling service that will be compatible across all networks in Canada.

Video-calling in Canada is not as popular, or in the United States, for that matter, but in Canada, the feature requires both parties to be on the same telecom network to actually work.

The new system (3G-324M standard) that the big three telecoms today finished testing would allow users to video-call people across any of the networks, making it the largest video-calling network in North America.

No information relating to possible availability was released.

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Telus, Bell iPhone price plans unveiled


iphone compass Telus, Bell iPhone price plans unveiledCanadian CDMA carriers Telus and Bell are set to launch the iPhone 3G S on Nov 5, and Nov 4, respectively. The companies have now announced pricing for the devices.

Telus will offer the 16GB (black/white) version for $199, the 32GB version will cost CND $299 and will be available in both black and white.

Both companies are not introducing exclusive monthly plans for the iPhone. Plans start at $50 per month at Telus, and at $55 per month at Bell.

At Telus, the most affordable plan will set you back $50 per month, and will give you 150 minutes with 500MB of data (with tethering included). All plans include unlimited messaging as well.

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New Telus network to launch Nov 3


Telus’ expected to launch iPhone early Nov as new HSPA GSM network is expected to launch Nov 3rd

We are able today to report with a high degree of confidence that the new Telus HSPA 3G network will launch on November 3, 2009.

Telus previously announced only a few days ago that it would launch the iPhone 3GS sometime in November.

The new launch date for the network indicates the iPhone is poised to launch sometime very early in November, compared to a closer end of month launch date.

The new Telus network will allow the company to offer higher-end GSM handsets in the future, including the unannounced BlackBerry Bold 2 (expected to launch in the U.S. on November 11 and shortly after in Canada), and possibly the HTC Hero smartphone.

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CDMA carriers Bell and Telus to launch iPhone in Canada


Bell and Telus will bring the iPhone to Canada in time for the holiday season on their new 4G GSM network with expected lower prices, ending the exclusivity agreement with Rogers

iphone compass CDMA carriers Bell and Telus to launch iPhone in CanadaBell Canada and Telus Wireless have confirmed (Bell press release, Telus press release) both companies would sell the iPhone in Canada starting in November, in time for the holiday season, ending the iPhone exclusivity agreement with Rogers.

The companies in a joint effort were able to upgrade their wireless infrastructure to 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) in order to support the GSM standard and hence the iPhone.

They will offer both the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS.

No pricing or exact availability was announced today. The new competition should help bring the price of the phone down. Prior to this news, the iPhone was offered by Rogers and Fido (owned by Rogers), so there was really no competition.

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Google Android phone coming to Canada


3438747444 62153fbce9 Google Android phone coming to Canada

Update: To launch June 2nd 2009 on the Rogers network.

Rogers Communications, the cable and telecom giant, has announced it will finally release a Google Android powered phone in Canada. The company confirmed today it will be launching both the HTC Magic and HTC Dream powered by the open-source Google Android OS.

Rogers senior vice president John Boynton said in a statement, “Both devices [the HTC Dream and HTC Magic] offer outstanding wireless Internet search capabilities and a full suite of applications,”

Bell Canada, also announced earlier in the week the company would be the exclusive carrier to offer the new Palm Pre in Canada.

Both companies failed to disclose details on pricing and availability, but we are working on our source.

Google has publicly criticized Rogers Communications in the past for not offering unlimited mobile Internet data. Google has also voiced concern over Rogers Wireless complete GSM monopoly in Canada.

In related Rogers news, according to an internal source, the company in June will start to charge customers for incoming text messages, unless subscribed to a basic SMS plan. The source familiar with the matter spoke on condition of anonymity citing details have yet to be made public. Telus already has been doing this for months. The moves highlight that few control the oligopolistic telecom market in Canada, and in this case, a monopoly over the GSM networks.

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More Hints at New iPhone, Fido to Deplete iPhone Stock


apple More Hints at New iPhone, Fido to Deplete iPhone StockFido GSM telecom in Canada, owned by Rogers who has a complete monopoly over the GSM networks in Canada, has announced today it will not be reordering any new stock of the 16GB 3G iPhone and will simply let the existing stock completely deplete as of the beginning of April.

The move indicates the company could be readying the launch of a new iPhone model by the summer as is widely rumored. Apple most recently unveiled the new iPhone 3.0 OS that features many enhancements, you can find a complete round up here, including screens and the new features. Read the full story

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Telus Announces $500M Infrastructure Investment, Did not block YouTube on Older BlackBerry Handsets


telus Telus Announces $500M Infrastructure Investment, Did not block YouTube on Older BlackBerry HandsetsThe second largest telecom in Canada, Telus, has announced plans today to invest up to $500 million in expanding infrastructure in British Columbia and parts of Alberta. The company also outlined plans to build a more eco-friendly datacenter likely to be located in BC.

Telus said, “This investment is expected to ensure a smooth transition to long-term evolution technology, the emerging worldwide standard for 4G wireless networks.” Read the full story

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New Bebo Carrier Partnership Brings Bebo Mobile Internet to Canada, SMS Updates


bebo New Bebo Carrier Partnership Brings Bebo Mobile Internet to Canada, SMS UpdatesAOL’s social network Bebo has announced new partnerships with Canadian mobile carriers including Rogers, Fido, Bell, and Virgin, to allow customers to easily get Bebo updates by texting BEBO from their handsets. You can also easily update your profile, status, send virtual goods and keep in touch with friends. Bell and Virgin have went further by offering the Bebo Open Mobile Internet with their tailored options allowing you to easily navigate the social network. According to Bebo internal reports, Canadian mobile traffic was up 43% in January 2009. Bebo plans to further expand the service by introducing more features throughout 2009.

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New Rogers 2009 voice data plans unveiled


rogers New Rogers 2009 voice data plans unveiledBGR is reporting new upcoming Rogers 2009 voice and data plans for cell phones. It appears the company still won’t offer unlimited internet but will offer its traditional 500MB of data at a more reasonable price. Rogers still has a monopoly of the Canadian GSM market in Canada. The plans after the jump Read the full story