The device itself isn’t all that exciting, but it does point toward new possibilities with one of Canada’s low-cost wireless carriers. Up until now, Koodo Mobile (an off-shoot from the decidedly larger Telus Mobility) has only offered cell phones that use CDMA-based network technology. This limited its portfolio of possible handsets.

That changed today with the announcement of the Nokia 3710. As stated above, the cell phone itself isn’t the most innovative or exciting cell phone to hit the market in recent memory, but it is the first HSPA device to launch with Koodo. By going with HSPA technology, this phone uses a SIM card. It also opens up the window to more exciting HSPA devices, including all sorts of smartphones.

In terms of the Nokia 3710 itself, the basic clamshell-style handset offers a 3.2-megapixel camera, integrated music player, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakerphone, an external display and a price that will fit almost any budget.

Buy it outright for $175 without any kind of service agreement or you opt for the Koodo “Tab” service and get the Nokia 3710 at a reduced price. You can have up to $150 on the Tab, resulting in an up-front cost of as low as $25.