Verizon Wireless had added two data plan options to its Apple iPad offering, ranging in price from $35 to $50.
Users can purchase 1GB of data for $20, 3GB of data for $35, or 5GB for $50, according to a FAQ about the iPad promotion. Users on the 1GB plan will be charged $20 for each extra gigabyte they consume, while those on the 3GB and 5GB will be charged a $10 overage per gigabyte. Verizon previously only announced the 1GB data option.
Verizon announced Thursday that it will start selling the three Wi-Fi versions of the iPad at its retail stores starting Oct. 28; it will not offer the Wi-Fi + 3G models available from AT&T. Instead, Verizon will bundle the Wi-Fi models with its own Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. The device lets users share their Verizon connection with up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Verizon will offer three iPad-MiFi bundles: the 16GB iPad plus MiFi for $629.99; the 32GB plus MiFi for $729.99; and the 64GB plus MiFi for $829.99.
Essentially, Verizon's bundle prices are the same as what you'd pay for the iPad with integrated AT&T 3G. But Apple and AT&T offer a choice of two service plans: 250MB a month for $14.99 or 2GB month for $25.
Speaking of AT&T, the carrier wasn't going to let Verizon steal its thunder. It also announced on Thursday that it would carry the Wi-Fi + 3G versions of the iPad in its retail stores on Oct. 28. On Friday, the company also announced plans to market the iPad to its business customers.
Verizon said there is no pre-order option, but users can provide their e-mails addresses to be reminded of the iPad availability upon launch. The tablet will be available in stores and on Verizon's Web site. The MiFi option will not be available in Apple stores.