Apple recently announced that both Verizon Wireless and AT&T will begin selling the 3G iPads in their stores on October 28. Though, Verizon is configuring these iPads in a deeply discounted package deal with its MiFi mobile 3G hotspot device and a new, cheaper data plan. The news appears to indicate a closer working relationship between Verizon and Apple considering the rumors of Verizon to sell the CDMA version of iPhone.
The Novatel MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is a portable, battery-powered EV-DO radio with a wireless base station built into it that allows you to make “a personal Wi-Fi cloud” as per the Verizon’s press release. You can connect up to five WiFi-enabled devices, Verizon claims that the MiFi 2200′s rechargeable battery will give up to four hours of active use and 40 hours of standby time.
Verizon’s prices for its bundles are the same as the 3G iPad at AT&T:
- iPad 16 GB + MiFi=$629
- iPad 32 GB + MiFi=$729
- iPad 64 GB + MiFi=$829
The MiFi portable device retails for $269 without contract, this means that Verizon is cutting $130 off the price in order to compete with AT&T. A 1GB data plan is available without a contract for $20 a month, which is a pretty good deal compared to the normal $40 for 250MB and $60 for 5GB plans. Especially given that you get the ability to connect more than just one device to Verizon’s much more widespread 3G network, this should definitely help boost the sales of the iPads.
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Source: AppleInsider
Authors: _GadgetNews