Apple iPad Is Coming to Verizon Wireless

October 14, 2010 7:05 AM PDT
iPad coming to Verizon stores later this month
by Don Reisinger

Apple's iPad will be available in more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless stores starting October 28, the companies announced today.

Verizon will offer three bundles with an iPad Wi-Fi model, along with the company's MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, a small device that provides access to Verizon's 3G network. When away from Wi-Fi, iPad owners will need to connect to the MiFi 2200 from the iPad.

The first offering will include the 16GB iPad Wi-Fi and the mobile hot spot for $630. The 32GB Wi-Fi model and hot spot will retail for $730. Finally, Verizon will be selling the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad with the hot spot for $830. The company will also offer all three iPad Wi-Fi models without the hot spot at their regular prices.

Verizon's decision to not sell Apple's 3G models isn't all that much of a surprise. The iPad with Wi-Fi and 3G connects to AT&T's network, making it a nonstarter for Verizon.

Those who plan to buy the iPad bundle featuring the company's MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot will need to pay a monthly fee for access. Verizon said it will charge $20 per month for 1GB of data.

AT&T isn't allowing only Verizon to get in on all the fun. The carrier also announced today that it will start selling all three versions of Apple's iPad with Wi-Fi and 3G starting on October 28. It will charge $629, $729, and $829 for the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models, respectively.

AT&T offers two data plans, which cost $15 per month for 250MB of data or $25 per month for 2GB of data.

According to Apple, Verizon customers will be able to use the iPad just as they do now, including having the ability to access the company's 280,000 applications in its App Store.

Apple and Verizon's partnership could be sign of more to come from the companies. Speculation has long run rampant over when, not if, Verizon would be getting the iPhone. This new partnership will undoubtedly lend even more credence to rumors that Apple will be bringing its iPhone to Verizon store shelves in the relatively near future.


http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20019586-17.html?tag=cnetRiver

 

Well the article states you don't have to buy an MiFi. You can buy the unit itself or bundle the unit with a MiFi/Data package. So it's just another outlet really that the iPad will be sold at.

 

Here is a FAQ from Verizon Wireless on the upcoming iPad.

iPad FAQ on Verizon Wireless