Ubuntu Phones on sale Globally (even USA) !!!!

**Dragonbite** · August 11th, 2015

Unfortunately due to USA's cellular shenanigans, the phone can only access up to 2G speeds (not G3 or even the G4 available today with other handsets).

Canonical’s Ubuntu Phones Now On Sale Globally

Mobile market latecomer Canonical claims “latent demand” for its tardy but alternative smartphone OS has encouraged its OEM partner, BQ, to open up availability of its handsets to buyers anywhere in the world, not just in Europe.

Although buyers anywhere can now order an Ubuntu phone, Canonical also warns that handset and OS functionality may be limited in some countries, including the U.S. — noting in a blog post:

We know (and BQ has acknowledged) that network frequency, and mobile operator, compatibility in some countries, such as the US, will limit some of the handset and OS functionality that European users are presently enjoying.

So caveat emptor. But given it’s not a mainstream mobile OS that was already the case.

So it isn't for mainstream use in the USA yet, but may be worth getting to try ti out and get a feel for it so when it comes to the the the duopoly (Verizon and AT&T) will be ready!

Anybody going to get one? Anybody have one?

**mystics** · August 11th, 2015

I saw this a few days ago and was ecstatic when I saw the headline...but then I started reading about the carrier issues...

Anyways, I tried Ubuntu Touch on the Nexus 5 for a time. I enjoyed using it for the most part, but it predictably didn't work that well with the phone. I was waiting for an official phone to release in the U.S., but I guess now that we've got that, I've got to wait for an official release that works properly on T-Mobile.

**Dragonbite** · August 11th, 2015

On the bright side, all this work is going into the Ubuntu Phone even while it is just trying to get across the border into the USA. Once it reaches one of the carriers in a more "official" capacity it should have more bugs worked out and be smooth.

I think instead of releasing it in the USA with limitations, maybe use the USA for a tablet release and/or development?

That way the touch interface would be able to be tested and grow on people while waiting for the phone to make it, and for the larger tablet release then issues would have a chance to be worked out.

**Bakerconspiracy** · August 16th, 2015

I'd take the plunge if I knew it was going to work with sprint. But I cannot seem to find any concrete info on whether or not that is the case (and I don't need another mp3 player that used to be a phone).

The idea of Ubuntu on a phone though...

**monkeybrain20122** · August 17th, 2015

Interesting. If it is for sale in the US probably will come to Canada. I may consider it. Maybe Wind will support it.

**mastablasta** · August 18th, 2015

phone is not much without apps. it' s just a touch PC that can make phone calls but with less apps.

**avery-x** · August 18th, 2015

I want to know what the service downsides are. I'm currently using an unlocked phone with a Net10 monthly plan; they use a bunch of carriers, and the BQ site says it does GSM on U.S. frequencies. So aside from fewer apps, which I basically don't need, what's the downside?