GSM Pre to launch on O2 in UK

We heard earlier this morning that the GSM Pre was set for a UK launch, and now it sounds like things are coming together: The Guardian says the Palm's baby will launch on O2. That makes perfect sense, O2 owner Telefonica reportedly secured broad global rights to the Pre back in March. Of course, this is all yet to be official, but with actual GSM handsets floating around out there and an announcement expected next week, we're guessing we don't have too much longer to wait.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 1st 2009 4:22PM]

North American HSDPA bands included?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 1st 2009 5:03PM]

so does this mean it can be unlocked to run on at&t

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 1st 2009 5:54PM]

It can be unlocked to "run" on any GSM carrier, but it will only be supported by US data frequencies (EDGE/GPRS), so don't plan to stream anything. For very basic data needs [business use], it would work, but so would an old Blackberry 7290.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 1st 2009 4:55PM]

I doubt this will mean much for US users.

I'm guessing the Pre GSM variant will only have 2100mhz 3G, which means even if someone unlocks this and imports it to the US, the fastest speed you will see on any US carrier is Edge. So unless you are happy with slow data, or are always near a WiFi spot, this is useless to us. We're still stuck with a crappy CDMA only phone that won't roam when we are on vacation out of the country. What was Palm thinking signing up with Sprint, or at least not making it a combo CDMA/GSM worldwide phone? Stupid.

For Europe and Asia, party down!

[periks19 Posted Jul 1st 2009 6:00PM]

Shane when you say it won't roam outside the country do you mean EU or countries that only have gsm because last time i check you can roam with a sprint CDMA phone in Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Dominican Republic and more other countries. I know it won't roam in the whole world because is not GSM but for you to say or imply it won't work outside the US is not cool.

I know a CDMA/GSM Pre for sprint would of been totally awesome but is not a killer for me since the places I travel to is Mexico but still with GSM you get more coverage. I will be getting the touch pro 2 that will have worldwide GSM in case when i travel i will just do an ESN swap.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 1st 2009 6:04PM]

Oh great, ridiculous contracts like the iPhone.

[thesandman Posted Jul 2nd 2009 6:15PM]

This is the worst thing for consumers, seeing as O2 can charge whatever they want on either the Pre or iPhone. I would have been happier to see any other carrier getting this!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 2nd 2009 5:04PM]

May be just me but how many people really like this cramp and cheap looking plastic keyboard?