iPad Debuts at Verizon and AT&T Retail Outlets on October 28th
On October 28, 2010, Apple partnered with AT&T and Verizon to offer cellular connectivity via the iPad’s built-in 3G modem. This marked the launch of the iPad's data plans, designed to enable mobile internet access on the original iPad.
AT&T's Offerings
AT&T introduced two data plans for the iPad: a 250 MB monthly plan for $14.99 and a 2 GB plan for $25. These were prepaid, month-to-month plans without contracts, allowing customers to add cellular data service as needed. The 3G + Wi-Fi versions of the iPad, priced at $629, $729, and $829 for 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB models respectively, were also offered by AT&T. Notably, these plans included access to all AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the US.
Verizon's Offerings
Verizon's data plans were similar, offering options like 1 GB for $20 and 3 GB for $35 monthly, also without contracts. However, it's important to note that Verizon would only offer the Wi-Fi version of the iPad with a Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. This hotspot, which could support four other devices simultaneously, was an additional cost for customers. There was a penalty of $10 for each GB of extra data usage on both Verizon's data plans.
These plans were data-only and were designed specifically for the iPad’s usage, allowing users to connect to the internet via the carrier's 3G networks. This approach was innovative, as it allowed iPad users to add or remove data access flexibly on a monthly basis without being locked into traditional phone contracts.
As we reflect on this historical event, it's clear that these data plans played a significant role in the iPad's success, offering users flexible, no-contract mobile data access at the time.
Expanding iPad Availability
The iPad's availability expanded to various retail outlets, including Target, Walmart, Sam's Club, Best Buy, AT&T, and now Verizon. Apple's COO Tim Cook was excited about this expansion, expressing his happiness that customers would be able to buy the Wi-Fi + 3G version at AT&T Stores.
With these moves, Apple aimed to sign the year off on a high note with the iPad's sales. Glenn Lurie, President at AT&T of Emerging Devices, Resale and Partnerships, stated that customers would have the best of both worlds with AT&T's iPad data plans and Wi-Fi Hot Spots.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it's fascinating to look back at the launch of these groundbreaking data plans and the impact they had on the iPad's success.
Author's Note
This article was written by Sovan Mandal, a contributor to the website with a keen interest in tech, particularly smartphones, tablet devices, AI, and self-driven automobiles. Sovan can be reached at sovy@our website.
E-readers and other gadgets benefited from this event as well, since the introduction of AT&T and Verizon's data plans for the iPad paved the way for flexible, no-contract mobile data access, allowing users to connect various devices to the internet via 3G networks. This technology-driven innovation opened up opportunities for multiple devices to utilize mobile data services, making it easier for people to stay connected on the go.
Furthermore, the expansion of the iPad's availability to retail outlets like Target, Walmart, Sam's Club, Best Buy, AT&T, and Verizon created new avenues for consumers to purchase e-readers and other tech devices amidst this data plan revolution, effectively blurring the lines between tablets and other mobile gadgets.
