Sasktel has been getting decent attention lately since launching their HSPA+ network, providing faster data speeds to a number of Saskatchewan residents. Today, they've officially launched the Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant, with pricing coming in at $150 on a 3 year contract, or $645 outright. The Vibrant is the first Android device to join Sasktel's handset line-up, and is a great choice for anybody looking for the benefits of Android on one of the most powerful devices available right now.
We recently let you know that an internal screenshot leaked from Futureshop showing that the Torch 9800 could be up for pre-order on the 15th of September, and today Rogers confirmed that it will officially launch on September 24th. Shortly after the announcement, Telus also confirmed the same launch date, though Bell hasn't said anything official as of yet. Rogers also confirmed contract pricing for the new device featuring BlackBerry 6, which will be $199 on a 3 year term, and the other carriers should come in around the same price point.
Rogers has updated their website and inventory to include a new "smokey violet" version of the recently launched BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300. The new version has all of the same specifications, including a 2.4" (320x240) display, full QWERTY keyboard, and a 2MP camera. The new handset from RIM supports 3G, GPS, Wi-Fi, and bluetooth connectivity, and will get the upgrade to BlackBerry 6 early next year more than likely.
We have some information on the new Windows Mobile operating system - Windows Phone 7, and though we haven't heard a whole lot about this platform as of yet, some new details have emerged. According to Greg Milligan, Microsoft Canada's Mobility Solutions Manager, Windows Phone 7 will launch simultaneously in the U.S. and Canada, and will be available on multiple carriers for Canadians to choose from around the Holiday season. Apparently initial manufacturers will include LG, Samsung, and HTC, with Dell emerging in the market soon afterwards and the possibility of other manufacturers in 2011.
RIM and BlackBerry handsets have been getting a lot of attention lately, especially with the release of the Torch 9800 coming up next month and the Curve and Pearl 3G models that have recently launched, and now it looks like WIND Mobile are looking to join in the fun. Though they've been advertising the Pearl 9100 3G for some time now as "Coming Soon", rumour has it that the device will be arriving in retail outlets in the next few days, with a price point of just $320. If this rumour proves true, this will be great news for WIND customers looking to pick up the device, as it would be the lowest outright pricing in Canada for the device.
Public Mobile recently reduced the price of their handsets, and are now offering up yet another incentive for customers. Their new referral program, which will allow customers to refer others for a $20 credit, is now active. The credit will appear on customers' invoices within 6 weeks as long as both accounts are in good standing, and there is no limit to the number of people each customer can refer. While $20 doesn't seem like much, it's a considerable credit since their products and services are so cheap to begin with, and since each customer can earn several credits, this is a great move on Public Mobile's part.
RIM has 3 launch events planned for Canada to celebrate the release of the Torch 9800, their new vertical sliding BlackBerry with a touchscreen and BlackBerry 6. The events, which are scheduled for the 21st - 23rd will take place in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. In previous rumours, we heard that Telus would be launching the device on the 16th, and thanks to leaked Futureshop screenshots, we have a bit more information on the Rogers launch. Apparently the device will go on "pre-sale" effective the 15th, and with the launch events happening just a week later, Canadians can start counting down.
We recently let you know that Nokia updated their Canadian webpage to include the C3, along with a Rogers graphic indicating a launch on that network. It looks like Rogers has actually launched this new device on their Prepaid service, for $89.99. The C3 features a full QWERTY keyboard, 2.4" (320x240) display, and a 2MP camera. The device supports Wi-Fi and bluetooth connectivity, and can be expanded up to 8GB via microSD card.
KOODO has recently launched their HSPA network, and so far we've seen two compatible devices launch for it - the Nokia 7230 and INQ Chat 3G. It looks like they'll be following that up with another, this time the Samsung Elevate, which features a 2.6" (240x320) display, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 1.3MP camera, and support for bluetooth connectivity. Rumours point to "Tab" pricing of just $24.99, while contract-free pricing is speculated at $150. No word yet on exactly when this device will launch, but we should see it available in the near-future.
Saskatchewan residents have been getting a lot from carriers these past few weeks, with all major networks launching their 3G+ networks in the province following Sasktel's initial launch. Along with a variety of devices to choose from, residents of Saskatchewan can take advantage of other benefits, such as Telus' 30 day money-back guarantee, and two price plans specific to the area.
The Voice Saskatchewan 30 for $30 includes:
- 150 local anytime minutes
- 200 bonus local anytime minutes
- Unlimited nationwide family calling
- Unlimited nationwide talk & text with your 5 Favourite Numbers
- Unlimited evenings and weekends (6pm)
- Voicemail, call waiting, and conference calling
The Voice and Data Saskatchewan 50 for $50 includes all of the same things, with the addition of 1GB of data usage.
