Telus the first to blink, announces Canadian Windows Phone 7 pricing

Usually Telus likes to play their cards close to their chest, so I was a little surprised that Telus was the first Canadian carrier to officially announce pricing for Windows Phone 7 handsets. The North American launch is next Monday, and in the US the price for all the models is going to be $199 on a 2-year term.

Since Canadians have long been used to getting the short end of the stick, I assumed that the Canadian price would be the same, just on a 3-year term. While we are very excited about Windows Phone 7 here at RGB Filter, I thought that if it did launch in Canada at $199 that it would be a hard sell. Over the past 6 months the cost of high-end smartphones has plummeted, and with phones like the Android HTC Desire being $79.99, $199 seemed like a step backwards.

Thankfully I am sure both Microsoft Canada and the Canadian carriers share the same view, and the pricing announced yesterday is VERY competitive. The Telus HTC Surround and LG Optimus 7 are both going to be $99 on a 3-year term. The outright price has not been disclosed, but I am hoping it will be $499 for both models. Also as an added bonus Telus Optik TV customer in Western Canada will be able to use their Windows Phone 7 to remotely schedule recordings on their PVR.

Neither Rogers nor Bell have announced pricing for their handsets, the Samsung Focus and LG Optimus Quantum, but I expect them to follow suit and also price them at $99 on a 3-year term.

Windows Phone 7 launches on November 8th 2010

More information about the Telus LG Optimus 7 can be found here, and the HTC surround here

Below is the official Telus press release:

TELUS brings Windows Phone 7-powered HTC 7 Surround and LG Optimus 7
to Canadians on November 8

New Microsoft smartphone platform opens a new window of mobile innovation

Vancouver, BC – TELUS will offer two highly-anticipated smartphones using the new Windows Phone 7 operating system beginning November 8: the HTC 7 Surround™ and LG Optimus 7.

Windows Phone 7 is the new mobile operating system from Microsoft designed to be fast, fun and smart. The unique user interface featuring ‘Live Tiles’ provides the ability to ‘glance and go’ — to absorb all of the quick hits of information a user needs without the hassle of moving between applications. Windows Phone also offers fast and easy email setup, an unbeatable mobile gaming experience through Xbox LIVE and deep integration of Outlook calendar, email and contacts.

The HTC 7 Surround and LG Optimus 7 from TELUS will harness the power and simplicity of the Windows Phone 7 platform while running on Canada’s fastest coast to coast mobile network*, creating an unparalleled user experience.

“Windows Phone 7 allows TELUS to extend its already strong partnership with Microsoft into new product opportunities that yield tremendous value for the customers we serve,” said David Fuller, Chief Marketing Officer, TELUS. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with HTC and LG, two of the world’s leading hardware manufacturers, to bring the best Windows Phones to Canadians.”

TELUS Optik TV customers in Western Canada will soon be able to take advantage of convenient Remote Record functionality using their Windows Phone 7 smartphones. Remote Recording is an enhancement to Optik TV that allows customers to schedule Personal Video Recorder (PVR) recordings using the Internet or select smartphones, as well as viewing and searching the guide.

The LG Optimus 7 and the HTC 7 Surround will both be available for $99 on a three-year promotional plan**.

*Based on TELUS’ tests of data throughput speeds in large Canadian urban centres available from national HSPA+ service providers. Internet access speed provided by the network operator may vary due to the device being used, network congestion, distance from the cell site, local conditions and other factors. Speed on the Internet is beyond the wireless network operator’s control and may vary with your configuration, Internet traffic, website server and management policies, and other factors.

**Available for clients who activate or renew on a 3 year term with a Clear Choice Voice and Data plan of $50 or greater. TELUS reserves the right to modify eligible rate plans with this offer at any time without advance notice.