BGR has just independently confirmed what we already knew, that the GSM version of the Motorola DROID, the Motorola Milestone, will be available on Telus in Canada. BGR points to the vague timeframe of “early 2010” but that day can’t come soon enough. The Motorola Milestone packs multitouch out of the bag but may not have Google Maps Navigation. A tough tradeoff.
But why is this big news? Well, since AT&T is currently ignoring Android, AT&T users have to take the issue into their own hands–either switch networks or buy unlocked Android phones to use on AT&T. Unlocked T-Mobile Android phones don’t make sense for AT&T users since AT&T and T-Mobile use different 3G bands which means T-Mobile Android devices won’t have AT&T 3G. Unlocked Telus/Rogers Android phones do make sense considering Telus and Rogers use the same 3G bands as AT&T, which means, yes, everything works as advertised.
Though the Milestone will surely cost you a boatload (probably more than simply paying AT&T the ETF and switching to Verizon for the DROID) some users in unique situations may be able to justify the cost: benefits of a GSM network, better service with AT&T, good rate plan, etc.
Are any AT&T users thinking about doing this? We have AT&T on one of our lines here at Android Central and we’re most definitely considering this option. Hurry up and get the Milestone out Telus!