Telus HSPA and iPhone due same day

Telus on Monday revealed that both its HSPA+ network and its iPhone launch will kick off on November 5th and has provided device pricing for its version of the Apple handset. Its pricing will match the Rogers version and see 16GB and 32GB iPhone 3GS units cost $200 and $300 respectively on three-year contracts. Contract-free versions will sell for $700 and $800. The 8GB iPhone 3G will sell for $100 on contract or $600 contract-free.

The Canadian provider hasn't said if will alter or add to its smartphone plans to accommodate iPhones. At present, the company's only prepackaged smartphone deal provides 250 voice minutes, unlimited messaging and 500MB of data for $45; users can also add messaging and data to an existing plan at $35 for 500MB of data or $45 for 1GB. A spokesman tells Electronista that full details should be available closer to launch.

Telus' HSPA+ network will run up to 21Mbps and should initially reach those speeds through modems from Huawei and Sierra Wireless. Phones initially launching on the network, including the iPhone 3GS, are hardware-limited to at most 7.2Mbps but should include the BlackBerry Bold 9700, LG Chocolate BL40, and unidentified phones from HTC and Samsung.

Bell is expected to launch its own HSPA service at or near the same time and should launch at least the Bold 9700 and iPhone 3GS the same day.

By Electronista Staff

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