With talk that supplies could be limited at launch, Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility have begun ramping up marketing efforts for Apple’s latest iPad model, which is set to hit stores March 16.
Both carriers, which are the two domestic carriers tapped to offer the LTE-equipped version of the device, are promoting the March 16 launch date on their websites, with similar prices for the LTE models: $630 for the 16 gigabyte model; $730 for the 32 GB model; and $830 for the 64 GB model. Those prices are a $130 premium over the Wi-Fi only models.
As for data pricing across the cellular networks, Verizon Wireless is showing current plans starting at $30 for 2 GB of data transmission, $50 for 5 GB and $80 for 10 GB, with no contract required. Overage charges are priced at $10 per gigabyte for those choosing a contract.
AT&T Mobility for its part is charging $15 per month for 250 megabytes of cellular use, $30 for 3 GB and $50 for 5 GB. AT&T Mobility also does not require a contract and charges $15 for each 250 MB in overage on the entry-level plan, and $10 per GB for the two higher-tiered plans.
Both carriers are also offering the 16 GB version of the current iPad2 with their respective 3G connectivity for $530, which is a $100 discount compared with the price charged prior to the unveiling of the latest iPad device earlier this month.
It is expected that the latest iPad could be a bigger seller for wireless carriers as the move to include LTE services in the device could draw consumer attention with higher network speeds compared with previous 3G models. The NPD Group noted in a report last year that more than 60% of tablet owners did not take advantage of cellular connectivity and instead relied exclusively on the device’s embedded Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter?
