In case you were wondering how come we didn’t cover future Android phones shown at CES, the answer is simple: Google didn’t announce any other Android phones at CES. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going to have plenty of Android smartphones in 2009. We’ve seen quite a few manufacturers eager to make some. And now we can add to the Android-lovers list an Australian carrier too. Telstra is saying that an Android phone from HTC is headed its way and it will be launched in the second quarter of 2009. An executive is saying that the new phone will be better and more functional than the Pre. Notice how he doesn’t say it’s going to be better than the iPhone or the Storm? Is the Pre the new standard?

We have no clear details yet and this might be just a rumor which won’t be confirmed. The phone should run a version of Android with various HTC tweaks and it will come with a huge display. HTC Touch HD with Android? We’ve heard that combo rumored before. Hopefully we’ll find out more in the following months.

via wmpoweruser

Tags: Android, Australia, HTC, HTC, Mobile News, Palm, pre, telstra

In case you live in Australia and are tired of having a bad reception on your cellphone, check out what Telstra has to offer with the new 165i handset, also known as Country Phone.

According to Telstra, the 165i will provide a better signal anywhere you’re located, that is, when comparing it to the signal on other cellphones. It also has AGPS for those occasions when you’re really lost. In the technical side, the 165i Country Phone has bluetooth, FM radio, and a 2-megapixel camera. The 3G cellphone is available starting today - December 1 - for $350.

Tags: 165i, Cell Phones, Country Phone, telstra

LG’s KF390 will arrive exclusively from Telstra in Australia. The carrier has added the handset to their Blue Tick range of Next G cell phones. That means actually that the KF390 is a great phone for rural and regional coverage areas.
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Tags: Cell Phones, HSDPA, LG, LG, Mobile News, telstra

While we’re waiting for Rogers to finally start selling RIM’s Bold, we’re told that Telstra is going to be the carrier to bring the Bold to Australians. Don’t be jumping in the air just yet as this BlackBerry will be available only in late September.

There’s even better news for Telstra business customers. They will be able to get a Bold for free if they choose to. Starting today any business customer can register for a Telstra BlackBerry Bold online or by dialing 1800BUSINESS.

Tags: BlackBerry Bold, Mobile News, Research In Motion, RIM, telstra

After we’ve all seen Telstra’s 3G iPhone plans for Australia, it’s time for Optus to finally announce their offer. I guess we’ll be waiting for Vodafone to make their move to choose which one is better for the average Australian Joe.

The cheapest plan, the ‘Yes’ Cap, starts at $19 per month which includes 100MB of data and $50 worth of national calls and text messages. Call fees will start at $0.47 for 30 seconds while text messages will be charged at $0.25. The 8GB iPhone will conveniently sell for $51 per month with a 12 months contract while a 24 months contract will lower the monthly charge to $21. The 16GB iPhone will come up to $61 per month for a 12 months contract and for $26 per month with a 24 months contract.

There are 7 different versions (check the picture above) of the ‘Yes’ Cap plans with the most expensive one arriving at $179 per month, which is quite a lot. What you get is 1GB of data and $1500 worth of national calls and messages. Call fees will start at $0.35 for 30 seconds while text messages will be charged at $0.25. With this plan, both iPhone versions come free with a 24 months agreement while a 12 months agreement will get you an 8GB 3G iPhone for just $23 a month and a 16GB 3G iPhone for just $33.

Is it just me or these iPhone prices are more expensive than usual. Each ‘Yes’ Cap plan will include two offers, ‘Yes’ Time and Free For 5. ‘Yes’ Time will offer free 20 minute voice calls to Optus GSM mobile users in Australia from 8PM to midnight all week and Free For 5 offers free 5 minute voice calls to mobiles within the same mobile account at any given time.

But wait, there’s more. Besides the ‘Yes’ Cap Plans there are simpler ‘Yes’ Plans to go with the iPhone. They are almost similar to ‘Yes’ Cap Plans, starting from $19 to $179. What’s different is lower month spending allowances but when these allowances are reached you get cheaper fees per minute.

The $19 per month plan will offer 100MB of data, but only $14 worth of calls and text messages. All additional calls are priced at $0.46 per 30 seconds and $0.25 per message. With this plan the 8GB iPhone will cost $49 per month with 12 months contract and $19 with a 24 month contract while the 16 GB version will cost either $59 or $17 per month depending on plans.

The top ‘Yes’ plan will arrive at $149 and includes 1GB of data and $144 worth of calls and text messages. Additional calles are price at $0.19 per 30 seconds and $0.25 per message.

You also get ‘Yes’ for special offers: Yes Time, MyTime (Free 5 minute voice calls to 5 family members or friends), Yes Free Text (100 free text msgs each month) and Yes Text & Talk (22 cents talk or text on any mobile, any time).

But wait, there’s more. You might want the prepaid Optus deal. Which isn’t quite a deal. You will get the 8GB iPhone for $729 and the 16GB iPhone for $849. $30 plans come without data while the top $100 prepaid get 1GB of data. And we need data with the iPhone right? Should you choose Optus Pre-Paid you will be eligible for a $400 bonus and 1GB internet browsing when choosing a $40 or more Turbo Cap.

I am going with Telstra so far. Not that Optus doesn’t have some interesting plans, but Telstra seem more appealing to me. Let’s see what Vodafone will roll out!

Tags: 3g iphone, Apple, Apple, Mobile News, Optus, telstra, Uncategorized

After we’ve seen some controversial iPhone plans in Canada from Rogers and Australia from Telstra, we’re going to check out how “3″ is going to sell the iPhone in Hong Kong. And this story has a happy end. Actually more happy endings depending what plan you will end up choosing.
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Tags: 3g iphone, Apple, Apple, hong kong, Mobile News, Other Brands, Rogers, telstra, three

Telstra, one of the three Australian operators to sell the iPhone, has announced their prices and plans for Apple’s phone. Vodafone and Optus should roll out their offers on July 11th. And 3 might be the fourth carrier to sell the 3G iPhone if they manage to strike a deal with Apple.
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Tags: Apple, Apple, Australia, iPhone, telstra

While we are getting closer to July 11th, the day Apple will start selling the 3G iPhone in 22 countries, we see more deals popping up. We’ve heard rumors about Russian carriers as well as Chinese carriers looking for a deal with Apple and we’ve heard rumors about Australian carrier Telstra wanting in.

It appears Telstra means business after all. After Optus and Vodafone, Telstra will be the third carrier to deliver 3G iPhone handsets to Australians. Talk about competition… Telstra officials will announce all of this on June 26th while the 3G iPhone from Telstra will go on sale on July 22nd. A race in three that’s something to see. Especially as Telstra is such a big carrier in Australia which got in the 3G iPhone race later than the others. Telstra also seems to have a small advantage over Vodafone and Optus; well it’s actually a bigger advantage. They offer better 3G speeds and more coverage. That means their plans and iPhone price might be higher than others.

Place your bets now! Who shall sell more iPhone in the next year? Is it Optus? Maybe Vodafone? Anyone choosing Telstra? I say Telstra for now!

Tags: 3GiPhone, Apple, Apple, Australia, Mobile News, Optus, telstra, Vodafone, Vodafone

We expect a lot from the 3G iPhone, but isn’t this a bit too much? Not to the Australia-based Telstra, it isn’t. A senior executive of the mobile carrier was caught claiming that the 3G iPhone will be capable of speeds up to an unbelievable 42Mbps, all in time for this Christmas no less. Well, yeah, may be in time for Christmas 4 or 5 years down the lane, but not this time. Here’s why:

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Tags: 3G, Apple, Australia, Cell Phones, iPhone, telstra