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Report: New Verizon iPad won't need hot-spot device

Verizon CFO tells Bloomberg the carrier is working on an iPad that connects directly to its network, but he offers no timeline.

Erica Ogg Former Staff writer, CNET News
Erica Ogg is a CNET News reporter who covers Apple, HP, Dell, and other PC makers, as well as the consumer electronics industry. She's also one of the hosts of CNET News' Daily Podcast. In her non-work life, she's a history geek, a loyal Dodgers fan, and a mac-and-cheese connoisseur.
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Verizon is working on an iPad with embedded chips for its network, according to a report.
Verizon is working on an iPad with embedded chips for its network, according to a report. Marguerite Reardon/CNET

Now that Verizon has cemented its relationship with Apple publicly by offering the iPhone, it's no surprise Apple's other flagship wireless device won't be far behind.

Verizon will be selling an iPad with embedded chips that allow the touch-screen tablet to connect directly to its network, Verizon Communications CFO Francis Shammo told Bloomberg Businessweek today. He did not give any official date for when that would take place.

You can buy an iPad from Verizon right now, but it will come boxed with a separate wireless device that allows it to run on Verizon's CDMA network. The current model of the iPad has embedded GSM chips that allow it to connect directly to the networks of operators like AT&T.

Verizon began selling the iPad in October, a move that was taken by many Apple observers as a strong hint that an iPhone offered through Verizon would be next.