Verizon and AT&T to sell all 4G-capable models with “attractive data plans”

Mar 13, 2012 18:11 GMT  ·  By

Verizon Wireless and AT&T, USA’s biggest wireless operators, both issued press releases today informing the masses that Apple’s new iPad will begin selling at their respective brick and mortar stores beginning this Friday, March 16, 2012.

Both Verizon Wireless and AT& are planning to offer all models of the new iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G alongside some “attractive data plans” that will allow customers to connect to their wireless 4G LTE networks with speeds up to 10 times as fast as 3G.

Verizon will exclusively support the Personal Hotspot feature in iOS allowing new iPad owners to share their cellular network connection with up to 5 other WiFi, Bluetooth or USB devices.

Tami Erwin, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless, said "Customers have been enthusiastic over the iPad on our 3G network and we expect even more excitement for the new iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network."

Erwin added that “more and more customers [are] depending on their iPad for business, as well as personal use, [and therefore] it is important that they have a network that delivers high speed and reliability, nationwide."

Indeed Verizon has been far less criticized by Apple iPhone and iPad customers than its rival, AT&T.

AT&T customers, on the other hand, will get “unlimited access to the nation's largest Wi-Fi network at no extra charge,” according to Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility.

iPad Wi-Fi + 4G with built-in LTE has the most comprehensive support for fast networks worldwide, Apple said on the day of the tablet’s unveiling last week.

Supported standards include HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA, CDMA and GSM.

“The world-ready iPad delivers blazing download and upload speeds so web pages load incredibly quickly and email with large attachments can be sent and received easily,” Apple said.