Apple iPad 3G service plans on AT&T, $30 for unlimited data

In a direct blow to everyone else with a netbook and an unlimited data plan, AT&T has scored a deal to offer unlimited 3G data on 3G-capable versions of the iPad for $29.99 a month (then again, this is the same as an iPhone plan, and you're getting iPhone-level capability here). A 250MB plan, meanwhile, will be available for half that at $14.99 a month. Activation can happen right on the device -- no store visits or calls are necessary -- and there's no contract involved. The device is fully unlocked, so if you absolutely want to, you're welcome to take it to any other GSM carrier of your choice (assuming you can find a SIM that works -- Apple's talking up a new "micro SIM" for it). International users, stay tuned: Apple expects to have deals in place for you by June of this year.

Apple iPad 3G service plans on AT&T

[Scorp1us Posted Jan 27th 2010 2:52PM]

Can I tether to my iPhone? How many "unlimited" data accounts do I need?

[kenny goo Posted Jan 27th 2010 2:53PM]

Data plan pricing is good, keeping it unlocked is good, Micro SIM card is a complete and utter fail.

[farshore Posted Jan 27th 2010 2:54PM]

Wow, I didn't realize how expensive data plans are in the US. €20 per month for unlimited data is pretty standard...

[mappo Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:31PM]

@farshore €20 is about $30.

[Aethix Posted Jan 27th 2010 2:55PM]

Sweet! They gave me a choose between unlimited data or a cheaper limited plan. Now a user like me who only checks my email every now and then will not have to pay the same as heavy users. Also on the nations fastest 3g network. Sounds good.

[micanuck Posted Jan 27th 2010 2:56PM]

what i'm wondering is... how the hell can Apple maintain a relation with AT&T in all this... with this flagship device, with seemingly exclusive 3G data plan offering.... is beyond me!!!???!!! at least it's nice to know that the iPad will be UNLOCKED.... thank god!!!

and a big F-U to VZW it looks like from Steve-O :) makes me smile

[JaredMC Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:00PM]

i'Mconfused ...

[0crabby0 Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:02PM]

No contract - Cancel anytime if you can find a sim card that's compatible...

[micanuck Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:03PM]

what's this micro SIM deal? i'm sure AT&T probably has something to do with that...

[MonkeyBra1nz Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:07PM]

yea the "Micro SIM" is effectively the same thing has "Locking" the device becauase no doubt AT&T have an exclusive deal to provide said necessary SIM card. Way to lie to the consumers via omission!

[ThomasK Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:13PM]

it will NOT be possible to making a call out of it even using BT headset? they say not a word about it!

[ThomasK Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:13PM]

Micro SIM is nothing special, it is a standard, half size sim

[dantzig Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:13PM]

i knew it wasn't on verizon when i saw the "no service" indicator on this post before the event:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/is-this-the-apple-tablet/

[MrMojo Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:16PM]

ATT S*cks!

Hopefully, the iPad will work on T-mobile's 3G network!
Or else, save some money and buy the regular Wifi version!

[MrMojo Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:18PM]

Why the heck are people "expecting" PHONE features on the iTab??!

It's a tablet NOT a friggin' phone, People!!

Sheesh, iPhone owners are really Friggin' annoying!!

[Brad Green Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:22PM]

Hmm, I have unlimited data on my fully capable non-smartphone for $15. For smartphones on a family plan data is only $30. I love how Steve tries to make it sound cheap, only by comparing it to an iPhone plan.

[farhawk3 Posted Jan 27th 2010 5:25PM]

Comparing with a 2 year contract phone plan is silly, especially for people with WiFi at home and who may want the 3G periodically, like when they travel. Do the math.

The 3G comes at a $130 premium at all memory levels. Verizon charges 39.99/mo for a 250GB PC 3G data plan. At that rate you would be ahead after paying for 5 months of usage and you can choose when you pay for those month, month to month.

If you tether your laptop to a phone you might pay $30/month (phone) plus $15/mo for unlimited and you are juggling an unwieldy nunchuck of a device. The iPad will run you $30/mo for unlimited data plan and again you can decide when to pay for it, month to month.

So someone who pays this premium on a new device and only needs 3G for 3 months a year, even with unlimited 3G will pay $310 in the first year and $180/year after that. A smart phone data plan is locked in for 2 years and will might cost you $30/mo or $360/yr.

I think many people will set this up in their kitchen with the keyboard to charge and take it around the house or yard to browse the web or read books. This would work without 3G at all the places you get free wifi including, presumably, your home. For $130 more you can take it with you when you travel and turn on the 250mgb plan for just that month for $15.

The fact that it is AT&T still stings but you can bet there will be a version 2.0 in 12-18 months that runs on Verizon's (and AT&T's) 4G networks (when the frequencies free up).

This is a GOOD price point for the iPad TODAY and will surely push all the carriers in the right direction. Between Google and Apple I think we might finally see carrier competition that benefits the consumer. Good news.

A lot of people will put this in the kitchen or family room with the keeboard

[IanKen Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:26PM]

Oh boy, unlimited data plan on an already borked network. Bravo.

[bonesb Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:35PM]

I like the product, and the plan. I'm pissed because I'm an ATTWS broadband card user, and now pay twice as much for a bucket of data for essentially the same type of device, on a contract. WTF?

[Hurmoth Posted Jan 27th 2010 3:59PM]

Uses AT&T = POS

I hope it fails in sales simply because they're going back to AT&T. I hate, HATE, HATE AT&T. When is Apple going to learn?!

I am a HUGE fan of my iPhone. I love it to death, but I can't stand AT&T. Their network sucks ass.

[commonman Posted Jan 27th 2010 4:05PM]

I haven't heard or seen a peep about iTunes (music) yet there is an iTunes icon on almost every picture. Why no mention? Is it only movies that it will play? Please advise!

[appl4life Posted Jan 27th 2010 4:08PM]

Why is the iPad only going to have 3G service available on it, and not 4G???

Starting on June 12, 2010, the DTV transition is complete and then both AT&T and Verizon legally have exclusive use to the 4G frequencies that they bought for over $14.7 Billion. The iPad should be able to carry the high quality, extended service area, and faster connection frequencies.

The 4G frequencies range is within the 700Mhz spectrum. These are the signals used by TV stations for broadcasting, and as of June 12, these frequencies will no longer be permitted by federal law for the use of TV broadcasting. The frequency spectrum is then also illegal to be used by any unlicensed device. So upon that day, the 3G network is outdated and the 4G networks begin for AT&T and Verizon, then you have a better wireless network connection for downloading / uploading across the US.

[gcooper Posted Jan 27th 2010 4:22PM]

I'm still waiting on my GD tethering at&t?!!! WTF

[jhomey78 Posted Jan 27th 2010 4:32PM]

I live in LA and I have no problem with coverage with my iPhone.

[spacemonkey086 Posted Jan 27th 2010 5:00PM]

Does the 3G version affect the battery life? The iphone with 3G activated drains the battery life, I don't see why this would be different unless the 3G version has an extended life battery.

[cloud858rk Posted Jan 27th 2010 6:01PM]

Standards, pfff, screw those! SD cards and SIM cards are stupid anyway!

[king_electric_warmonger Posted Jan 27th 2010 6:15PM]

250MB?

15 dollars? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA


u just cant make this stuff up!!!!!!

[merovingian Posted Jan 27th 2010 8:04PM]

I'm not buying this, but if i was i'll just get the wifi version and tether with my Win Mobile phone for FREE over wifi. WMWIFIROUTER for the effin' WIN !!!

[DJ Posted Jan 27th 2010 8:44PM]

For the iPad, being stuck on AT&T isn't a huge deal. AT&T is much better for data than reliable voice. I had to use an iPhone for tether for awhile, and at my house it was perfectly fine. I imagine more people will be happy with AT&T's service on the iPad than the iPhone. At least they don't have to worry about dropping calls.

Being essentially stuck to AT&T is a big bucket of fail though. Who wants to bet that not only does T-Mobile not have these Micro-SIMs, but the iPad only supports AT&T 3G frequencies?

[promisedplanet Posted Jan 28th 2010 9:26AM]

I get a laugh out of the idea that people will dump Kindle and read e-books on this thing. 3G on the Kindle is free. The Kindle comes with a browser (not the greatest, but not too bad), and they've just recently announced a developers' SDK.

[damiendilbert Posted Jan 28th 2010 5:18PM]

So, a couple of straight questions...Is it possible to use ipad as phone? If not, think it will e released later, of be unlockable/hackable?