Verizon to offer data plans for iPad of up to 5GB for $50, with a catch
In addition to the 1GB data plan for $20 per month announced earlier, Verizon now says it will also offer a 3GB plan for $35 and a 5GB plan for $50. Those rates are available at steep discounts to the wireless carrier's typical offerings, which cost $35 for 250MB and $60 for 5GB.
There is one catch: customers must purchase a WiFi iPad and Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot together as a bundle to get the discounted data plan prices. Even customers who already own a MiFi 2200 but don't own an iPad aren't eligible for the rates should they choose to buy an iPad from Verizon, according to a set of frequently asked questions.
Users who go over their monthly quota will see some relief, however, as Verizon has followed AT&T's lead in charging just $10 extra for each additional 1GB on both the $35 and $50 plan. The carrier is hoping customers choose one of those pricer plans and is giving them an incentive to do so by charging double — $20 per additional 1GB — on the low-end $20 plan.
By comparison, AT&T is offering two plans at heftier rates: $14.99 per month for 250MB and $25 per month for 2GB. While AT&T and Verizon require that users agree to a service agreement when applying to use their 3G services, both services are available on a month-to-month basis with no termination fee.
As for Verizon's bundle pricing, mentioned earlier, a MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot and 16GB iPad will sell for $629.99. The 32GB model and hotspot will retail for $729.99 while the 64GB iPad combo will sell for $829.99.