There has been a lot of confusion of what recently happened with Telus & Bell.

I’m hearing a lot of: “Telus & Bell has gone GSM…” – This is false.  Just few weeks ago, Telus & Bell has launched a new network. This new network is called HSPA and is currently marketed by Telus & Bell as:  ”3G+”

Where the misconception lyes is the use of a SIM Card. Just because Telus & Bell offers SIM Cards doesn’t mean it can be used in a GSM phone in North America. With a Telus/Bell SIM, a GSM phone can only be used for overseas roaming.

Customers who are trying to unlock their phone for use with Telus & Bell needs to be aware that only North American frequency HSPA phones will work on their network, as there are also other variants for use in different parts of the world. A lot of grey market 3G phones operate on HSPA 2100 only. They are 3G, but doesn’t have the right frequency for Canada. a lot of times, there are two variants of one model sold for different parts of the world.. ie: the Nokia E71, One is for NA 3G, the other for international 3G.

If you want to use your existing phone with Telus & Bell, make sure in the Specs its says: HSPA 1900/850, otherwise you are SOL. To be certain, all Fido and Rogers 3G phones will operate fine with Telus & Bell.