Never miss an update Follow AppleInsider
Thursday, October 14, 2010, 06:00 pm
Verizon to offer data plans for iPad of up to 5GB for $50, with a catch
Following its initial announcement on sales of the iPad this morning, Verizon has provided more detailed information on the MiFi 2200 rates and data plans it intends to offer customers alongside the Apple tablet when it goes on sale at company stores beginning October 28th.In addition to the 1GB data plan for $20 per month announced earlier, Verizon now says it will also offer a 3GB plan for $35 and a 5GB plan for $50. Those rates are available at steep discounts to the wireless carrier's typical offerings, which cost $35 for 250MB and $60 for 5GB.
There is one catch: customers must purchase a WiFi iPad and Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot together as a bundle to get the discounted data plan prices. Even customers who already own a MiFi 2200 but don't own an iPad aren't eligible for the rates should they choose to buy an iPad from Verizon, according to a set of frequently asked questions.
Users who go over their monthly quota will see some relief, however, as Verizon has followed AT&T's lead in charging just $10 extra for each additional 1GB on both the $35 and $50 plan. The carrier is hoping customers choose one of those pricer plans and is giving them an incentive to do so by charging double -- $20 per additional 1GB -- on the low-end $20 plan.
By comparison, AT&T is offering two plans at heftier rates: $14.99 per month for 250MB and $25 per month for 2GB. While AT&T and Verizon require that users agree to a service agreement when applying to use their 3G services, both services are available on a month-to-month basis with no termination fee.
As for Verizon's bundle pricing, mentioned earlier, a MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot and 16GB iPad will sell for $629.99. The 32GB model and hotspot will retail for $729.99 while the 64GB iPad combo will sell for $829.99.
Verizon's MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot typically costs $299 on its own, or between $0.01 and $50 with a new 2-year service agreement.
On Topic: Verizon
- Report of Apple throttling iPhone, iPad speeds on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint mistaken
- Apple reportedly throttling iPhone and iPad cellular data speeds for top three US carriers (U: nope)
- Verizon Cloud iPhone backup software launches on Apple's App Store
- Verizon confirms $100 iPhone 5 for featurephone customers [u]
- ESPN interested in subsidizing mobile data plans to ensure users can stream video
Previous Comments View All
The wifi-only iPad lacks GPS and, aside from being inconvenient to tote around and keep charged, the Mifi has power management issues (e.g. short battery-life and automatic power-down to conserve power). The Mifi will support multiple devices, however, at no additional charge, whereas the iPad 3G costs $10/month extra for tethering.
AT&T's iPad plans are not generally offered at heftier rates. AT&T offers a plan for as little as $15; AT&T's 2 GB plan is only $5 more than Verizon's 1 GB plan; and 3 GB costs the same ($35) on both carriers, using AT&T's 2 GB plan ($25) plus an optional 1 GB overage ($10). Unless you're a heavy mobile Internet user, the AT&T 2 GB plan looks much better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider 
Following its initial announcement on sales of the iPad this morning, Verizon has provided more detailed information on the MiFi 2200 rates and data plans it intends to offer customers alongside the Apple tablet when it goes on sale at company stores beginning October 28th.
In addition to the 1GB data plan for $20 per month announced earlier, Verizon now says it will also offer a 3GB plan for $35 and a 5GB plan for $50. Those rates are available at steep discounts to the wireless carrier's typical offerings, which cost $35 for 250MB and $60 for 5GB.
There is one catch: customers much purchase a WiFi iPad and Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot together as a bundle to get the discounted data plan prices. Even customers who already own a MiFi 2200 but don't own an iPad aren't eligible for the rates should they choose to buy an iPad from Verizon, according to set of frequently asked questions.
Users who go over their monthly quota will see some relief, however, as Verizon has followed AT&T's lead in charging just $10 extra for each additional 1GB on both the $35 and $50 plan. The carrier is hoping customers choose one of those pricer plans and is giving them an incentive to do so by charging double -- $20 per additional 1GB -- on the low-end $20 plan.
By comparison, AT&T is offering two plans at heftier rates: $14.99 per month for 250MB and $25 per month for 2GB. While AT&T and Verizon require that users agree to a service agreement when applying to use their 3G services, both services are available on a month-to-month basis with no termination fee.
As for Verizon's bundle pricing, mentioned earlier, a MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot and 16GB iPad will sell for $629.99. The 32GB model and hotspot will retail for $729.99 while the 64GB iPad combo will sell for $829.99.
Verizon's MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot typically costs $299 on its own, or between $0.01 and $50 with a new 2-year service agreement.
[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
Following its initial announcement on sales of the iPad this morning, Verizon has provided more detailed information on the MiFi 2200 rates and data plans it intends to offer customers alongside the Apple tablet when it goes on sale at company stores beginning October 28th.
In addition to the 1GB data plan for $20 per month announced earlier, Verizon now says it will also offer a 3GB plan for $35 and a 5GB plan for $50. Those rates are available at steep discounts to the wireless carrier's typical offerings, which cost $35 for 250MB and $60 for 5GB.
There is one catch: customers much purchase a WiFi iPad and Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot together as a bundle to get the discounted data plan prices. Even customers who already own a MiFi 2200 but don't own an iPad aren't eligible for the rates should they choose to buy an iPad from Verizon, according to set of frequently asked questions.
Users who go over their monthly quota will see some relief, however, as Verizon has followed AT&T's lead in charging just $10 extra for each additional 1GB on both the $35 and $50 plan. The carrier is hoping customers choose one of those pricer plans and is giving them an incentive to do so by charging double -- $20 per additional 1GB -- on the low-end $20 plan.
By comparison, AT&T is offering two plans at heftier rates: $14.99 per month for 250MB and $25 per month for 2GB. While AT&T and Verizon require that users agree to a service agreement when applying to use their 3G services, both services are available on a month-to-month basis with no termination fee.
As for Verizon's bundle pricing, mentioned earlier, a MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot and 16GB iPad will sell for $629.99. The 32GB model and hotspot will retail for $729.99 while the 64GB iPad combo will sell for $829.99.
Verizon's MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot typically costs $299 on its own, or between $0.01 and $50 with a new 2-year service agreement.
[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
I think it is a given that the iPad (and probably the iPhone) will come to VZW next year. I think I will wait for v2 of the iPad. It will have a camera and a few other goodies (and I am almost certain it will be thinner and lighter because everything goes that direction every year). It will most likely have a VZW radio in it too so I don't need to carry a separate device.
I am not in dire need for an iPad to the point where I want to buy the current model. I will definitely be getting a pad device next year, either Apple or Android, depending on who has the best device when the time comes for me to get one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cpsro
The wifi-only iPad lacks GPS
The wifi-only iPad lacks GPS
I've seen this mentioned a few times today. Why does this even matter? What apps are you using that would require GPS on a regular basis? And can't the iPad do Wi-Fi triangulation to get your location?
The Verizon plans don't sound all that great.
Virgin Mobile sells the standalone MiFi 2200 for $150 (temporarily out of stock). You can get unlimited data for $40/month or 100MB for ten days, no contract for either. As an MVNO (they don't have their own cellular towers), they are using the Sprint network.
So for twenty dollars more than the Verizon deal, you can get the 16GB iPad, the MiFi and unlimited data from Virgin Mobile. After two months on Virgin Mobile, you'll have recouped the twenty dollar difference, but there's no contract like with Verizon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mazda 3s
I've seen this mentioned a few times today. Why does this even matter? What apps are you using that would require GPS on a regular basis?
I've seen this mentioned a few times today. Why does this even matter? What apps are you using that would require GPS on a regular basis?
Maps would be a commonly used app. Buyers can decide for themselves what's important to them and how often would be too much to forego with the wifi-only model.
Quote:
And can't the iPad do Wi-Fi triangulation to get your location?
If it works--if a stationary access point is nearby--wifi location has low accuracy, is sometimes completely wrong, and will not track your movement well at all. Cellular triangulation might be completely wrong less often, but it is still inaccurate, and doesn't track well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cpsro
Maps would be a commonly used app. Buyers can decide for themselves what's important to them and how often would be too much to forego with the wifi-only model.
If it works--if a stationary access point is nearby--wifi location has low accuracy, is sometimes completely wrong, and will not track your movement well at all. Cellular triangulation might be completely wrong less often, but it is still inaccurate, and doesn't track well.
Maps would be a commonly used app. Buyers can decide for themselves what's important to them and how often would be too much to forego with the wifi-only model.
If it works--if a stationary access point is nearby--wifi location has low accuracy, is sometimes completely wrong, and will not track your movement well at all. Cellular triangulation might be completely wrong less often, but it is still inaccurate, and doesn't track well.
People actually carry around an iPad to use a location finder using Maps? Don't people usually have smartphones for that?
My point is, the iPad is too large an ungainly to use as a GPS locator unless you're using it in your car... and even then it's still too large.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cpsro
Maps would be a commonly used app. Buyers can decide for themselves what's important to them and how often would be too much to forego with the wifi-only model.
If it works--if a stationary access point is nearby--wifi location has low accuracy, is sometimes completely wrong, and will not track your movement well at all. Cellular triangulation might be completely wrong less often, but it is still inaccurate, and doesn't track well.
Maps would be a commonly used app. Buyers can decide for themselves what's important to them and how often would be too much to forego with the wifi-only model.
If it works--if a stationary access point is nearby--wifi location has low accuracy, is sometimes completely wrong, and will not track your movement well at all. Cellular triangulation might be completely wrong less often, but it is still inaccurate, and doesn't track well.
Actually, I've use WiFi triangulation on my WiFi-only iPad tethered to my iPhone 4 and if you're within a city area, it's surprisingly accurate. There are a lot of WiFi networks out there that an iPad can detect but doesn't see as worthy enough to connect to for data transmission.
What no one else seems to have brought up is how this reduces the iPad battery life. I use to wifi tether my iPhone 2g to my iPad, totally ate up the battery. I assume the slower data transfers through ATT 2G (which isn't that much slower than verizon 3g) meant the iPad had to transfer data longer to load whatever I was viewing, therefore putting more drain on the battery. I expect the mifi to maybe sometimes eat up almost twice as much power as it would on a real wifi network. Plus being on "fake" wifi means youtube and netflix will be super sluggish, and god forbid you download a wifi only app and have to keep your hotspot on.
Thank god where I love ATT couldn't be better, I would hate to have to use Verizon..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mazda 3s
People actually carry around an iPad to use a location finder using Maps? Don't people usually have smartphones for that?
My point is, the iPad is too large an ungainly to use as a GPS locator unless you're using it in your car... and even then it's still too large.
People actually carry around an iPad to use a location finder using Maps? Don't people usually have smartphones for that?
My point is, the iPad is too large an ungainly to use as a GPS locator unless you're using it in your car... and even then it's still too large.
One thing I think is cool with Apps is that ince you paid for it, the app can be on each of you "isynced" device. I have Navigon on my phone, & it also works (for no extra money) on my iPad. When I am traveling in a car without built in GPS, i think navigation is great on the iPad, not too large, but very readable. Also it means I can make calls without having to move the GPS screen away from the driver. I bought, and recommend iPad to people with the 3G chip for that reason, that it has gps. Besides, since with ATT the 3G is sort of pay as you need (monthly basis) having the 3G capability is worthwhile, even if its for the couple of times a year you travel (vacation) for a few weeks.
Latest Apple Headlines
-
Inside iOS 7: iBeacons enhance apps' location awareness via Bluetooth LE
~43 minutes ago -
High resolution images claim to show 'iPhone 5S' and iPhone 5 display assemblies side-by-side
~7 hours ago -
Steve Jobs discusses his legacy in rare 1994 video interview
~10 hours ago -
Briefly: Sprint LTE service expands to 22 more areas
~12 hours ago -
Facebook for iOS adds privacy options and status icons in update
~12 hours ago - more...
Want to write for AppleInsider? Submit your application now!
| Model | White | Black | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad mini (WiFi only) | |||
| 16GB WiFi |  |
$329.00 | $329.00 |
| 32GB WiFi | |
$429.00 | $429.00 |
| 64GB WiFi | |
$529.00 | $529.00 |
| iPad mini (WiFi + 4G) | |||
 |
 |
 |
|
| 16GB 4G White | $459.00 | $459.00 | $459.00 |
| 32GB 4G White | $559.00 | $539.99 | $559.00 |
| 64GB 4G White | $659.00 | $659.00 | $629.99 |
| 16GB 4G Black | $459.00 | $459.00 | $459.00 |
| 32GB 4G Black | $559.00 | $539.99 | $539.99 |
| 64GB 4G Black | $659.00 | $659.00 | $629.99 |
Lowest Prices Anywhere!
| Model | Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|
| 11"1.3GHz/4GB/128GB | $964.18* | $34.82 |
| 11" 1.3GHz/8GB/128GB | $1,061.18* | $37.82 |
| 11" 1.3GHz/8GB/256GB | $1,255.18* | $43.82 |
| 11"1.7GHz/8GB/128GB | $1,206.68* | $42.32 |
| 11"1.7GHz/8GB/256GB | $1,400.68* | $48.32 |
| 11" 1.7GHz/8GB/512GB | $1,691.68* | $57.32 |
| 13" 1.3GHz/4GB/128GB | $1,061.18* | $37.82 |
| 13" 1.3GHz/4GB/256GB | $1,255.18* | $43.82 |
| 13" 1.3GHz/8GB/256GB | $1,352.18* | $46.82 |
| 13" 1.3GHz/8GB/512GB | $1,643.18* | $46.82 |
| 13" 1.7GHz/8GB/256GB | $1,497.00* | $52.00 |
| 13" 1.7GHz/8GB/512GB | $1,788.68* | $60.32 |
* price with Promo Code:
APPLEINSIDER01
|
||
| Click for even more configurations | ||
This is definitely a better deal than AT&T and is best for people who:
1. Planning on buying an iPad
2. Data hungry
3. Doesn't own a mifi
4. Doesn't mind carrying an extra device (small and the size of credit card)
5. Doesn't want to be tied to a (or another on top of their phone) contract
Plus mifi can be used on devices other than an iPad..
Then again whether people choose the wifi iPad on VZ or 3G iPad on AT&T depends on preference and needs.