Apple has partnered with AT&T and Verizon Wireless to sell its popular iPad tablet, as both wireless providers continue to fight for attention from Apple.
Verizon Wireless will offer consumers three different product packages to choose from: a $629.99 iPad Wi-Fi 16GB tablet in addition to the Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Moile Hotspot; the $729.99 iPad Wi-Fi 32GB and VZW MiFi; or a $829.99 iPad Wi-Fi 64GMB model plus MiFi.
None of the Verizon iPad models include 3G support. The $20 monthly MiFi data charge includes 1gigabyte of data transfer each month.
"This is the perfect pairing for holiday travels,” said John Stratton, Verizon Wireless chief operating officer, in a statement. "iPad together with the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G data network allows customers to easily connect on the go wherever they are.”
Meanwhile, AT&T will sell the iPad 16GB WiFi/3G model for $629, $729 for 32GB WiFi/3G, and $829 for the 64GB WiFi/3G tablet. AT&T charges $14.99 per month for 250MB data, or 2GB per month for $25 per month.
I don't know if consumers are interested in paying for the iPad, MiFi hotspot, plus a monthly data charge for access to VZW's data network. Even so, this is a major victory for Apple and it looks to expand its customerbase -- even if that means partnering with Verizon, AT&T's largest wireless competitor.
This is an interesting move since Apple is caught between AT&T wanting to keep the iPhone, and VZW wanting to carry the iPhone for the first time. Some believe this is just one more sign pointing towards a Verizon iPhone in 2011 -- I think this is just more of a business move for VZW, as iPad popularity increases further.
