If this happens, I will be impressed with Telus. I am sure that a move like this would cost a ton in infrastructure changes. I make no bones about it, I flat out prefer a GSM carrier. The main reason doesn't revolve around the data rates. EV-DO and it's GSM rival of the day are so close that I don't think that it makes that much difference. The reason for me is the simm card. I love having the ability to change phones without having to call a CDMA carrier or go online to change the programming. I pop out my simm card from my Tilt and slap it into the iPhone/BlackJack II, doesn't matter... It's fast and easy and I don't have to spend extra time to get it done.

With more wireless competition looming, executives at Telus Corp. are believed to be mulling a pricey swap of the firm's network technology in a bid to offer subscribers a bigger selection of mobile devices and grab a larger slice of lucrative international roaming fees.

In the wireless equivalent of moving from Betamax to VHS, Telus executives are considering adopting new technology "as early as this year," industry sources say. The change would effectively make all or part of Telus's CDMA network compatible with the GSM-based systems operated by most carriers outside of North America. The two acronyms stand for code division multiple access system, and global system for mobile communications, respectively.

The idea "has been presented at the board level and is being actively considered," said one source familiar with the situation who asked not to be identified. The source cautioned that there were no guarantees Telus will go ahead with a changeover, which analysts say could cost about $500 million.

Source via Engadget