My lucky, lucky (did I mention he is lucky?) bud John over at MobileSyrup has managed to get his hands on the Bell version of the Palm Pre. Why? For a little unboxing action of course! The video was super-duper, but sadly, before I posted this it looks like MobileSyrup was issued a takedown notice from the folks at Bell. Strange, when you consider we ALL knew it was coming, and really, there’s not too much new here to gawk about. Oh wait, I shouldn’t say that, inside the box there’s English AND French documents… that’s new, right!?

At any rate, John is sticking to it and has posted some images of the unboxing for us to enjoy. Check ‘em out below.

[Via: MobileSyrup]

Well this is interesting. I’ve heard about the T-Mobile and AT&T version of the upcoming BlackBerry Bold 9700, but haven’t heard much news north of the border. The screenshot above (thanks, Mr. Blurrycam) changes everything. The shot is apparently of Bell’s internal systems, and you’ll notice the Bold 9700 name clearly (ok, not so clearly) in the bottom right corner. Both Bell and Telus (NYSE: TU) are gearing up to launch their HSPA services in the coming months… Having the 9700 on-board for launch would certainly be a good thing, no?

Stay tuned for more. Mr. Blurrycam images are most often a prelude to bigger and better things to come.

[Via: CB Forums and HowardForums]

Bell has launched the newest in LG’s touchscreen lineup, the LG ‘Bliss’. I have to admit, when I first laid eyes on this one… me kinda likey. Looks nice. The Bliss features a 3″ touchscreen (240×400) and has 4 customizable home screens that you can tailor to your particular needs. You’ll also find a 2MP camera with video, and a 16GB of memory expansion via microSD. Of course, you’ll also get Bluetooth, a speakerphone, voice dialing and all of the typical features you’d expect (calendar, notes, calculator, etc.).

For more details you can head over to Bell… At the moment the LG Bliss will run you $79.95 on a 3-year contract, $129.95 on the 2-year, $229.95 on a 1-year and $279.95 outright.

[Via: MobileSyrup]

As Bell is moving forward to complete the rollout of its HSPA network, they wanted to additionally sweeten the deal for its future users. On that note, they announced a reciprocal wireless roaming agreement with AT&T (NYSE: T) that will “enable AT&T wireless customers to roam on Bell Mobility’s new HSPA network when it launches, while providing Bell customers access to AT&T’s GSM and 3G wireless networks in the United States.”

In the other Bell news — and as part of their quarterly earnings report — they had 45,000 total net, which is 45.8% fewer than last year. Service revenues declined by 0.3%, whereas product revenues went down by 11.1%. Total operating revenues decreased by 1.4% which is all “impacted by the weaker economy.”

The question is how will upcoming launch of the Palm Pre help Canada’s operator boost its numbers. We’re certainly curious to see…

[Via: MobileSyrup]

If you recall, yesterday some exciting Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Pre news leaked out for Canadian mobile junkies. It seems as though Future Shop posted a promo page for the device, letting the ‘cat out of the bag’ so-to-speak on the launch date for the Canadian Palm Pre.

Well, not long after that, as I sort of expected, Bell pushed an official press release out the door that confirmed the official launch date for Thursday, August 27th. Also, pricing on the Pre will run $199.95 on a 3-year term, or $599.95 outright. Looks like a minimum 500MB data plan will be required on all purchase options as well.

This is awesome news for all Canadians that have a Bell location handy. Unfortunately for me, Bell has no mobile presence in my area (heck, even the province)… So, I’m somewhat SOL on this one for the moment. I’m sure I’ll work my way around it though, somehow… Future Shop is just down the road.

Make the jump for more details and the official press release from Bell.

Note: Oh yeah, and you can pre-order at bell.ca/pre.

Read the full article »

Could this be it, could this be it, could this be IT? Canadians have been waiting ever so patiently for the Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Pre, it isn’t even funny. We seem to cling to the news and rumors surrounding the device with wide eyes and anticipation, much like a child waiting to open presents on Christmas morning. Bell has began an in-store, online and magazine ad campaign, which means, the Pre will be in Canadians’ hands sooner than later… at least that’s what we surmise.

Today, more good news to perk up the Palm-hungry Canadian. Future Shop has gone ahead and posted on their website that the Palm Pre will be ‘Available August 27th‘. You’d have to consider that kinda-sorta official, right? Yeeehaw! Not too much longer to wait… In the meantime, if you want to pre-order you best head down to a Future Shop, Best Buy or Bell location. Many more details will be available in-store I’m sure, well, at least I’m hoping the staff on-hand has been trained. Could be completely wrong there!

[Via: MobileSyrup]

Rogers (NYSE: RCI) is promising 21 Mbps to Toronto at the end of the month, and spreading to the rest of Canada in due time, but internally-released counterpoints bring up some valid facts:

Key reasons why Bell is not concerned:
1. Rogers deployment of HSPA+ will start in August with a progressive roll out of the pocket coverage in the Greater Toronto Area ONLY
- Expansion timing and locations are unknown at this time since Rogers is very vague with roll out plans

2. Canada-wide rollout of Rogers HSPA+ netowrk will follow over time
- Bell plans to offer a national HSPA network at launch
- It has taken Rogers over 3 years to deploy 3G (HSPA) coverage to 78% of the Canadian population
- Bell offers 3G (EVDO) coverage to 89% of the Canadian population – the largest 3G coverage in Canada

3. Rogers plans to offer (1) Mobile Internet Stick at time of initial HSPA+ launch
- There are no HSPA+ phones and smartphones available commercially in the world today
- None of Rogers 3G devices today will be able to take advantage of 21Mbps speeds
- Most of Rogers devices are 2G (they only have one 3G BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) whereas ALL of Bell’s BlackBerry devices are 3G)

There’s certainly something to be said about the lack of devices available, a situation we’re seeing south of the border as well. I’d certainly like to see 21 Mbps on phones and not just just internet sticks, but that ball is squarely in manufacturers’ corners. In fact, Rogers deserves a high five for proving some pull pressure for OEMs to get some HSPA+ handsets out the door before LTE rolls around. It’s true that Rogers will likely take its sweet time getting HSPA+ out there, especially to the more sparsely-populated areas, and they’ll need the head start before Bell and Telus flip the switch to GSM.

[via MobileSyrup]

For all of the Canadians out there that have been waiting… and waiting… and waiting for the Palm Pre… here’s another great sign that the device will be arriving sooner than later. I just finished reading a post by my bud John over at MobileSyrup, detailing the fact that Bell has started to ramp-up their in-store advertising for the Palm (NSDQ: PALM) pre. All of the ads features a prominent ‘Coming Soon’ line, however, there is a notable ‘Order yours today’ mention. Awesome. Pre-orders anyone?

Oddly enough, after reading this report, I went back to my usual morning ’surf session’ where I noticed on more than one occasion online ads from Bell with the Pre in-tow. Looks like Bell have topped up the tank of the PR machine and are getting ready to roll.

Still no word on pricing or a hard release date, but still… it’s gotta be soon. Stay tuned for more.

So much for the rumor of Bell launching the Samsung Link on the 30th all by their lonesome. Virgin Mobile Canada has jumped the gun and launched the Samsung Link in Grey. You can head over to Virgin Mobile Canada right now for full details or to pick one up for yourself. Pricing on the Samsung Link at Virgin goes like this:

• 3-year: $29.99
• 2-year: $49.99
• 1-year: $99.99
• No contract: $99.99

The Samsung Link packs a large QWERTY keyboard, 1.3MP camera, Bluetooth, speakerphone, memory expansion to 16GB, 3.5mm headset jack, mp3 player and 220×176 TFT display.

Full details at Virgin Mobile Canada.

[Via: MobileSyrup]

Bell and Virgin Mobile up in Canada are all set to launch the Samsung Link in the very near future. Last I heard, Bell was set to launch the Link on July 30th… No details have been available on a Virgin Mobile launch… until now. A live link has appeared on the Virgin Mobile website, showing off the new Samsung Link in a bold blue color.

With a live page up-and-running, one can only speculate the device will be launched in the near future… probably the 30th as well. No details on pricing yet, but stay tuned for more on the Bell (and Virgin Mobile) Samsung Link.

[Via: MobileSyrup]