Verizon Wireless Sees the iPad as an Opportunity
The largest wireless network in America can’t be faulted for going down without a fight. They’re seeing the imminent release of Apple’s tablet as a good way to sell their own data plans, which can be coupled with WiFi on some devices. After all, you have to pay an additional $130 out-right for the 3G capable model of the iPad, so why wouldn’t you want to pick up a smartphone instead? Well, because the iPad is more than a smartphone, but what do we know.
According to a copy of an internal memo, which was obtained by Engadget, Verizon wants to push their own plans accordingly. We can see from the image that Verizon Wireless is claiming that the iPad won’t be sold out of AT&T stores directly, which could be true, but we’ve heard differently. The memo goes onto say that billing, sales, and customer service will be handled by Apple and not AT&T, but we can’t really see that being a bad thing, to be honest. And, we can’t expect AT&T to be able to answer anyone’s questions about the iPad, considering it’s not their product. Now, if you have a question about 3G in your area, then that’s something that they can work with.
“Why pay more for the 3G version & get 3G service on an overloaded network with limited coverage?” the memo says.
Now, we can see Verizon Wireless pushing their MiFi at this point. After all, it’s a mobile hotspot that you can take anywhere. So, instead of paying that $130 premium to get your 3G model, and then the subsequent $15 or $30 a month for the service itself, just sign up for a two-year agreement, get their MiFi (which is $60/month for 5GB) that will cost you $100, anyway. We . . . Well, we just can’t see how this makes sense to anyone. Remember, that the iPad’s 3G is unlimited, and doesn’t make you sign a contract. So, we think Verizon may just be grasping at straws at this point.
[via AppleInsider]
I have a Verizon WiFi and as such plan to get the WiFi only iPad (64GB) and use the Verizon box to give myself 3G without the extra $130 and the tie to AT&T.
Yes I do realize that the Verizon 3G is slower than ATT.........
I think your plan works, but this is a small window. For you, who is already paying for the MiFi connectivity, then adding the iPad isn't any big deal. But, if I were a new customer, I'd never agree to the plan Verizon has for customers. The idea that paying $60/month, which i have to do for two years, plus the $100 I have to pay for the MiFi anyway is a bit hilarious to me.
My original plan was to wait for my iPhone plan to end in July then drop AT&T and get a MiFi to use for both my iPhone and iPad for 3G. Turns out my iPhone is mostly data and I have a business phone for the need for my 7 x 24 availability. (I am responsible for my company's network/infrastructure and disaster recovery).
After the last few snow storms in NY and the fact that I lost power and was directing activities from a laptop on batteries, tethered to a hack cell phone....they decided I should have a MiFi. So my company is fronting the cause which admittedly makes my WiFi iPad decision easier.
your the man