iPad coming to Verizon stores later this month
Verizon customers can get their hands on Apple's iPad starting October 28, the companies announce. And like Verizon, AT&T will also start carrying the iPad in its stores.
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. Verizon said the MiFi's "cloud" allows it to provide Web access through the company's 3G network to up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time.
The first bundle 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. Verizon didn't specify prices, but Apple sells those models for $499, $599, and $699, respectively.
Verizon's decision to not sell Apple's 3G models isn't 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 Verizon'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, with no contract required.
AT&T isn't allowing only Verizon to get in on all the fun. AT&T also announced today that it will start selling the 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: $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 access to the 280,000 applications in Apple's 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 will get the iPhone. This new partnership will undoubtedly lend even more credence to rumors that Apple will bring its iPhone to Verizon stores in the relatively near future.