Bell HSPA Network Goes Live, Featuring BlackBerry Bold 9700, iPhone 3GS, OMNIA II, and Video Calling
By Simon Sage on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 11:13 AM PST In Bell Mobility, BlackBerry, HSPA+, Infrastructure, LG, New Hardware, Nokia, Samsung, Windows Mobile, iPhone
Bell has today gone ahead and flipped the switch on their brand new HSPA network. Coupled with telus (NYSE: TU) launching their own tomorrow, Rogers (NYSE: RCI) will no longer have a lockdown on hot GSM handsets like the iPhone, and Canadians will get some much-needed choice in service providers. The only devices Bell was forthcoming about before today’s announcement were an HSPA+ internet stick, and MiFi mobile hotspot, but they have really opened up both barrels with their full HSPA family. Earlier today, you might have heard about the Bell BlackBerry Bold 9700, but there’s also the original Bold 9000 for $249.95 on contract, the LG Xenon (simple, full-QWERTY slider; $89.95 on contract), the Nokia 2730 (standard candybar; $29.95 on contract), the Samsung omnia II (touchscreen slate running Windows Mobile with TouchWiz 2.0; $199.95 on contract), Samsung Impact (A.K.A Highlight, touchscreen slate with voice and motion-controlled UI; $79.95 on contract), and of course, the beloved iPhone 3GS.
On top of devices, Bell is also announcing a new HSPA video calling service available on the omnia II and Xenon that not only works with other capable phones, but also through a Facebook app. Overall, this is a huge step for Bell and Canadian wireless overall, and it’s not over yet – we’ll be hearing more about telus‘ HSPA grand opening tomorrow. For a closer look at Bell’s full lineup, check their online store, or their HSPA landing page for more info on the new network.
[via Bell]
It’s great to see wireless carriers ditching their old CDMA networks. GSM is definitely the way of the future.
Well, it’s a bit of a misconception that HSPA is replacing EVDO. I know at least TELUS will continue supporting their old network with CDMA devices concurrently with HSPA ones, although HSPA will definitely be getting most of the love in the near future to catch up to Rogers’ selection. I presume Bell will be in the same boat.