Slash LaneIn 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.
Andrew O'Hara
William Gallagher
Malcolm Owen
52 Comments
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.
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.
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.
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.