AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson recently spoke in front of a Morgan Stanley conference and said he believes most Apple iPad consumers will be more interested in purchasing cheaper Wi-Fi versions of the device.
Stephenson believes it will be "interesting to see the customer reaction to the iPad. We think it's going to be a largely Wi-Fi-driven product. My expectation is that there's not going to be a lot of people out there looking for another subscription".
Since the 3G version of the iPad will cost an extra $130 retail -- plus $30 per month subscription to AT&T's 3G network -- it's very possible consumers will shy away from 3G models in favor of Wi-Fi only.
AT&T wants to bring iPad owners into coffee shops, stores, book stores, airports and other locations supported by AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots. The company currently has more than 20,000 hotspots across the United States.
AT&T hopes iPad users head to Wi-Fi so its already strained 3G network doesn't have to be overburdened further. The 3G model will be released around one month after the Wi-Fi model, which may or may not be delayed, and it's unknown how many consumers want a Wi-Fi iPad instead of 3G.
As an AT&T subscriber who has trouble with 3G coverage -- and overall voice quality -- I certainly hope most iPad owners decide to go with the Wi-Fi version. Stephenson also clarified the company's stance on the popular Apple iPhone, saying the phone will remain an important piece of the company's puzzle for "quite some time."
Even with frustrated consumers, PCWorld's latest 3G test put AT&T on top over Verizon Wireless and other competitors.
