Verizon to join AT&T in selling Apple's iPad
NEW YORK
The news follows published reports that Verizon Wireless will
start selling a version of the iPhone early next year. The
companies have not confirmed the reports, and Verizon Wireless has
downplayed the possibility of an iPhone for its current network.
AT&T Inc. is Apple's exclusive U.S. carrier for the iPhone. It's
also the only U.S. carrier that's compatible with the "3G"
version of the iPad, which allows for cellular data access.
Verizon Wireless won't sell the 3G version. Instead, it will
sell the Wi-Fi version, with the option of bundling it with a
"MiFi" gadget for about $130. MiFi, a Post-It-pad sized,
battery-powered device, connects to Verizon's 3G network and relays
the data to the iPad via Wi-Fi. Data plans will start at $20 per
month for 1 gigabyte.
The iPad is also sold by several retail chains, including Best
Buy Inc. AT&T said separately Thursday that will also begin selling
the iPad in its stores on Oct. 28. The carrier's data plans for the
iPad start at $15 per month.
Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications
Inc. of New York and Vodafone Group PLC of Britain.
