Is the Canadian Wireless landscape ready for a change? Instinct says “maybe”.
As has been posted before, Rogers is not the only game in town when it comes to putting the internet in your pocket. The CDMA HTC Touch does the job remarkably well, and very affordably. But can it be called an iPhone Killer? Well, the jury’s kind of out on that, and the fact that it’s the only touch screen comparable wireless device available in Canada (either through Bell or Telus) keeps your options pretty slim. But as was inevitable, a whole slew of new devices is poised to flood the market soon, and the first of them is going to be making its Canadian debut in just over a month. It’s time to send in the iClones.
Today Bell announced officially that they would be bringing the Samsung Instinct to the Canadian market. Previously only available through Sprint in the US, the Instinct boasts some pretty snazzy features, including a nice large widescreen touch display, a full HTML browser, true GPS, a 2MP camera (THAT RECORDS VIDEO!!!), Voice Command, and, unless I’m grossly mistaken, copy/paste functionality. The best part? Because it’s not technically a “smartphone” in the purest sense of the term, it qualifies for Bell’s oft-lauded $10/month unlimited data plan, which works flawlessly with an HTML browser.
The device will also be available from Telus, although no pricing plan has been made available.
News of the Instinct’s arrival and what it means to the average consumer can be read in today’s Globe and Mail, but a couple of highlights (quoted from the article) are:
• Like Rogers, Bell Mobility offers a variety of voice plans, but asks $10 a month for the unlimited data plan
• The lowest price plan for the Instinct includes 100 minutes of local calls for $20
• The monthly total comes to $39.70 before taxes.
Is the instinct a great phone? Who knows? Many reviewers seem to think so, but because we haven’t had a hands-on yet this article is in no way meant to be a review of the device. But the question before us is clear: If Bell can offer an unlimited $10/month data plan, why can’t the other guys? Hopefully, this device helps bring a little competition into the marketplace, and hopefully, Bell’s example that a fair rate for unlimited data is a viable option that simply works will be one that gets the attention of the rest of the wireless landscape.
The Instinct will be available August 8th.
[…] rgbFILTER placed an observative post today on Is the Canadian Wireless landscape ready for a change? Instinct says, maybe.Here’s a quick excerptBell’s HTC Touch does the job remarkably well, and very affordably. But can it be called an iPhone Killer?… […]
Shouldn’t something establish itself as the king of the marketplace (as opposed to king of the hype machine) before needing something to be it’s killer?
Just commenting on perception (as perpetuated by MANY tech blogs and podcasts) as opposed to well, real reality.
There’s that reality distortion field at work again 🙂 It’s all marketing, but IMHO, if any other carrier is going to have a shot at introducing fairness in the Canadian Market, they have to beat the hype. The PR machine is a powerful enemy.
If I look at your post history, I’d say you’re part of the PR machine. 😛
That’s why I’m posting this reply.
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