iPad 4G Data Plans Announced By AT&T And Verizon

If you've preordered your new 4G-equipped iPad -- hopefully you have, since Apple is already experiencing shipping delays for some models -- and thought you were done spending, think again.

To put the updated iPad's 4G LTE network connectivity to use, you'll need a data plan, and, as would be expected, that's going to cost you a small monthly fee, after you've purchased your new 4G iPad ($629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB, or $829 for 64GB units).

Apple currently lists data plans from both AT&T and Verizon up on its website.

AT&T will be offering monthly data plans of 250MB for $14.99, 3GB for $30, and 5GB for $50. Verizon will be selling monthly plans of 1GB for $20, 2GB for $30, and 5GB for $50. According to the Verge, Verizon will also offer a monthly data plan of 10GB for $80, though it's not listed on Apple's site.

So, is the 4G LTE network connectivity worth the extra buck for both the device and the data plan? If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to spring for it. According to Apple's website, an iPad equipped with both Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity "keeps you connected to the Internet using a fast cellular data connection when Wi-Fi isn't available. So you can stay connected when you're commuting on the train, hanging out at the park, or looking for directions during a road trip."

Furthermore, if you purchase a Verizon version of the 4G iPad, you'll also be able to take advantage of the new iPad's mobile hotspot feature, which, according to 9to5Mac, will allow "you to share your data connection with up to five other Apple devices, but it will only be supported on certain carriers."

Currently, this hotspot feature is available only on tablets outfitted for Verizon's network. However, an AT&T spokesperson told The Verge, "We are working with Apple to enable this feature in the future, but we currently do not offer it."

More good news for Verizon customers opting for a 4G iPad: The mobile hotspot feature will be included in Verizon's tablet data plans and won't cost the user extra money, as Verizon spokesman Albert Aydin revealed to 9to5Mac.

If you're in the market for a 4G iPad, will you choose AT&T or Verizon? Let us know in the comments.

[Hat Tip: iLounge]

Check out 11 big things you need to know about the new iPad.

Loading Slideshow

• Show-Stopping Display

  The photo above shows the difference between the iPad 2's 1,024 x 768 pixel display and the new iPad's high-definition Retina display, which has double the resolution and four times the pixels (2,048 x 1,536 pixels). <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/features/retina-display.html" target="_hplink">Apple has described a Retina display as</a> "pixel density is so high your eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels." And how does it stack up to other tablet displays? <a href="http://twitter.com/ryan/statuses/177548523254988800" target="_hplink">GDGT's Ryan Block said</a> of his first hands-on with the new device: "It's the best display I've ever seen. Anywhere, period."

• 4G, A First For Apple

  Apple's March 7 event marked a first for Apple, the arrival of 4G LTE connectivity on a mobile device. Purchased with a two-year contract from either AT&T or Verizon, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/ipad-hd-apples-next-ipad-_n_1323535.html" target="_hplink">a 4G iPad</a> will, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204603004577267441821060940.html" target="_hplink">according to The Wall Street Journal,</a> "allow users to connect a[t] speeds roughly 10 times faster than current 3G data networks." 4G models will also "work on any 3G network," <a href="http://gigaom.com/apple/apple-ipad-event-live-blog/" target="_hplink">per GigaOm</a>. New iPad models equipped with this unique feature, however, will cost users slightly more than models without 4G. (More on this later.)

• Meatier Specs

  The new iPad may look pretty similar to the old one, but it's packing some serious hardware upgrades within its thin frame. <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/new-ipad-vs-ipad-2/" target="_hplink">These include a faster processor</a>, the "quad-core" 1GHz Apple A5X, which Apple claims to offer twice the processing power of the A5 CPU (found in the iPad2) and four times the graphics-rendering power of the Tegra 3 processor found in many Android tablets, <a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/03/live-blog-apple-ipad3-event/ " target="_hplink">per Wired's live blog of the event</a>. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5891158/new-ipad-hd-the-third-generation" target="_hplink">Gizmodo argues</a> that Apple has also probably upped the device's RAM, "if only to handle the new resolution."

• No Siri

  The new iPad did not get Apple standout iPhone 4S feature, the voice-activated virtual personal assistant, Siri. What it did get was Voice Dictation, which will be a blessing for anyone who has ever tried to type on the iPad's tricky virtual keyboard. To use the handy new feature, just tap the microphone icon on the keyboard and start talking. <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/07/ios-5-update-siri-speaks-japanese-voice-dictation-comes-to-new-ipad/" target="_hplink">Current languages supported by dictation</a> include U.S., U.K. and Australian English as well as Japanese, French and German.

• Familiar Look

  While the new iPad offers quite a bit more than the iPad 2 in terms of display, hardware, and connectivity, the outside remains almost identical to its predecessor, measuring 9.5 x 7.31 inches. As expected, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/27/ipad-3-iphone-5-charger-dock-apple-rumors_n_1304388.html" target="_hplink">the biggest difference between the updated Apple tablet and its predecessor is its thickness...</a>

• A Bit More Heft

  Compared to the .34 inch iPad 2, the new iPad measures .37 inches deep, <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/" target="_hplink">according to Apple's website</a>. In addition, the new iPad has .11 pounds on the iPad 2, weighing in at 1.44 lbs. The 4G version of the new iPad is even heavier, weighing in at a whopping 1.46 lbs.

• Upgraded Photo Tools

  <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/new-ipad-vs-ipad-2/" target="_hplink">The new iPad boasts 5-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera that shoots 1,080p HD video.</a> The iPad 2's rear camera was only .7-megapixels <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/" target="_hplink">and recorded video in a paltry 720p.</a> <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/07/iphoto-on-ipad/" target="_hplink">iPhoto</a>, Apple's photo-editing software, is now available for the iPad. The app can be used for editing, effects, beaming photos between devices and sending finished products to iCloud or social networking accounts. The app also lets users create photo journals, digital scrapbooks into which users can insert maps, notes and weather widgets. <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57392601-1/apple-launches-ipad-app-for-iphoto-updates-others/" target="_hplink">The new iPhoto app costs $4.99 and is available today. </a>

• Personal Hotspot

  The 4G version of the new iPad also comes with a feature called Personal Hotspot, which "can be used to share the fast network connection on your iPad with up to 5 other devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB," <a href="http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2012/03/07Apple-Launches-New-iPad.html" target="_hplink">according to an Apple press release</a>. Currently, this feature is available only for Verizon customers.

• Powerful Battery

  Even though the new features like Retina Display and 4G connectivity will be consuming a lot more juice, a larger, more powerful battery will keep the new tablet charged for the same amount of time as the previous model. Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, had the following to say about the battery during Apple's Wednesday event (<a href="http://live.gdgt.com/live-apple-ipad-3-event-coverage/" target="_hplink">per GDGT</a>): "You may recall we claim 10 hours of battery life, and 9 hours on 3G. The new iPad delivers the same 10 hours of battery life, and 4G is 9 hours."

• Price And Availability

  <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/" target="_hplink">The WiFi-only iPad starts at $499 for the 16GB then jumps to $599 for the 32GB and $699 for the 64GB.</a> The 4G version starts at $629 for 16GB and tops out at $829 for the 64GB version. The iPad is available for pre-order now <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/" target="_hplink">and will begin shipping on March 16. </a> [<strong>CORRECTION</strong>: An earlier version of this slideshow incorrectly listed the pricing of the WiFi-only iPad.]

• New Apps

  Along with Apple's announcement of the new iPad came a league of updated apps that will put the device's Retina Display to good use. According to Engadget, <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/apple-ipad-3-liveblog/" target="_hplink">all of the stock apps have been updated,</a> optimized, and scaled up so text will automatically be rendered in high resolution. In addition to uniform updates, several native Apple apps also received new features. <a href="http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2012/03/07Apple-Completes-iLife-for-iOS-With-Introduction-of-iPhoto-Major-Updates-to-iMovie-GarageBand.html" target="_hplink">Garage Band, for example, will now allow you to save creations to and easily share them through iCloud.</a> Also, <a href="http://www.macworld.com/article/165730/2012/03/apple_updates_imovie_garageband_iwork_for_ios.html" target="_hplink">according to MacWorld,</a> users will now be able to add an automatic string orchestra to their creations through the Smart Strings feature and fine-tune their recordings with Garage Band's Note Editor. Apple's updated iMovie app will feature more advanced editing tools and will enable sharing of videos in 1080p resolution to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and Apple TV, <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/7/2851783/apple-imovie-update/in/2615987" target="_hplink">The Verge reported.</a> The new iMovie will also let users cut trailers while recording video, take advantage of nine different genre templates, and incorporate custom soundtracks from famous composers. In addition to its own apps, Apple also introduced a new generation of apps made specifically with the new iPad's higher resolution and enhanced hardware capabilities in mind. According to Engadget, these apps <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/apple-reveals-next-generation-apps-for-the-new-ipad-infinity-bl/" target="_hplink">came courtesy of third-party developers </a> like game-maker Namco, which previewed its jet combat simulator SkyGamblers, and Epic Games, the developer behind popular role-playing sword-fighting game Infinity Blade and creator of the new Retina display-optimized Infinity Blade: Dungeons. In addition, 3-D design software manufacturer Autodesk showed off its Sketchbook app, which allows for a whole new level of sketch detail thanks to the new iPad's improved display.

• ALSO ON THE HUFFINGTON POST

Comments

[TheLeopard]

02:21 AM on 04/02/2012

Reposted from PC Mag online:

Don't imagine you get 4G from Verizon for $30/month As a long-time Verizon user I was happy to upgrade from the iPad1 to the new 4G model but was astonished when I signed up for the data plan. Be prepared for a big first bill. Instead of the advertised $30 for 2GB price my receipt read as follows : Estimated monthly access fee $55.16 (includes one prorated and one full month), Selected Services Access Fees $12.85, Equipment surcharges $48.01, Taxes and fees $5.08, Estimated total $121.10. Apparently this includes an activation fee of $35 and if you stop the service for a month they will charge the same fee again when you reactivate. 03.19.2012 by ronaldecohen

[Jill in NYC]

06:29 PM on 03/16/2012

Oh snap! Now I'm totally confused. I came on this thread looking for some advice as to which is better, ATT or Verizon, and after reading through the comments it sounds like six of one and half a dozen of the other. Maybe I should just toss a coin?

[smlsaimin]

05:15 PM on 03/12/2012

I'ved never owned an Apple Ipad and thinking of getting the New IPAD>

Does the New IPAD have Microsoft Word so I can type a letter?

I also would like to get a Holy Bible. Does the NEW IPAD have a note book that I can keep my notes in?

[Rick McClain]

06:45 PM on 03/15/2012

There are many good, dedicated Bible readers for the iPad. PocketBible and OliveTree make the two that I use. I use a dedicated Bible reader, rather than reading it on an ebook reader like Kindle, because reading the Bible is different than reading a book. You need to go to specific places. Also, dedicated readers allow you to highlight and add your text notes. I now do most of my Bible reading on the iPad.

As for writing a letter, I mostly use a plain text editor (there are many), and then cut and paste the content into a word processor on the computer. If you are a Mac person (and it sounds like you are not), you can use Pages on both the Mac and iPad.

[Realist2011]

04:12 PM on 03/11/2012

What is 4G anyway? After the carriers essentially forced the group responsible for defining the standards to "cheat" us on what 4G is and isn't, you can't really know what you're getting anyway. The new IOS update tells you you're getting 4G, even if you aren't.

4G used to mean something. Now it's nothing more than a marketing scheme. I think I'll just start selling 5G service.

Apple needs to go into the cellular business to protect it's technology. Give us a fair price and tell us the truth, and we'll be loyal. What we have now is just nonsense. 4G HSPA+, 4G LTE, 4G this and that. It's all bogus and it's going to eventually affect our willingness to invest in new apple products. Why do American companies only look at short-term profits instead of long-term success via satisfied customers?

As much as I hate Washington, it's clear that the only way to even begin to start cleaning up this cesspool will be to put cellular service under the "regulated" telecom side. Who uses land lines anymore anyway?

We're being sold Yugo's and they're telling us we're getting a Ferrari.

[gileedwin]

01:10 PM on 04/12/2012

Great comment, but you're telling us your age by mentioning Yugo :) I miss the good ole days.

[King7David]

10:52 PM on 03/10/2012

Based on the information in the article, and my own personal experience, I would definitely go with the Verizon version.

[Valerie Curtis-Newton]

09:55 PM on 03/10/2012

AT&T's international plan for the iPad has been a godsend. Does Verizon offer an equivalent? International rates could be a deal breaker for me.

[Dahveed1]

05:35 PM on 03/10/2012

I ordered the Verizon. They have a much broader LTE network than ATT does currently.

[Lonnie DeVorak]

07:28 PM on 03/10/2012

Verizon works for me also.

[Dahveed1]

09:36 PM on 03/10/2012

I'm a former ATT customer. I was tired of being treated poorly by them for YEARS, but the straw that broke the camels back was when I moved and ATT's signal at my house was very weak that I couldn't make a call from home. ATTs solution basically involved me putting up my own cell tower in my house that worked off my internet. When Verizon got the iPhone, I was there on opening day and it works at my home.

[Post31]

12:52 PM on 03/10/2012

250mb? Dear AT&T why don't you just spit on my face instead.

[King7David]

10:54 PM on 03/10/2012

Yeah, that was kind of dumb, wasn't it? I mean Verizon is offering way more, in addition to a mobile hotspot...lol

I am so glad, I left AT&T...lol

[rekindaguy]

11:06 AM on 03/10/2012

Verizon. AT&T coverage is pitiful in my area.

[I7Rf7gKh6Fj5kJ4]

12:26 AM on 03/10/2012

250MB for $14.99?
more scheming, scamming, pricefixing, and pricehiking.
ATT is a scammer!

[nightfly4257]

10:20 PM on 03/09/2012

4G LTE is probably very old, but where I live it will not be available for another year or more. This was a easy decision for me to skip the 4G version of IPad. I also tether my iPad to my iPhone, hopefully a 4G iPhone is coming soon.

[Dahveed1]

05:36 PM on 03/10/2012

That's smart. No need to fork over the extra cash is its not in your area. I too am hoping the next iPhone has 4G LTE data services.

[mgeb2000]

06:33 PM on 03/11/2012

That's what I'm going to do too. Ordered the 32 wifi version.

[Reece P Thomson]

04:31 PM on 03/09/2012

I have ordered an AT&T iPad, primarily for the speed. At this time (with very few devices using AT&T's LTE network) ii is over twice as fast as Verizon, and if there is no LTE it falls back to HSPA + which is still faster than Verizon's 3G network. This will change, but not for quite awhile. Also if you travel overseas HSPA + is mostly everywhere. I use my iPhone in the UK and get great download speeds...

[k-watanabe]

03:55 PM on 03/09/2012

Let me do the math for you... boasting 4G/LTE speed of 73 Mb/s then rolling out these plans would land many in overages shock.

250MB is about 27 seconds of 4G/LTE
3GB is about 5 and a half minutes
5GB is a little more than 9 minutes
10GB is about 18 minutes

Just put things in the perspective of "4G minutes"... Hotspot? yea right...

[I7Rf7gKh6Fj5kJ4]

12:26 AM on 03/10/2012

yep, dont be an idiot!
ATT is such a scam

[DrReve]

08:52 AM on 03/11/2012

Your calculations are based on impossible usage, I'm sure you know that. Nobody will get anything near 73Mb/s.. Not even half, those are theoretical speeds. And that's constant streaming at those speeds; not happening. But yes, with 4G LTE you COULD burn through your data plan more quickly, taking into consideration that you change your browsing habits. Meaning, if with 3G, you would use 1GB of data with normal usage a month, you're going to do the same with 4G. UNLESS, you change your browsing/usage habits because of the faster load/response. Behavior is the key factor here, not the increase in network speed.

[MrVee]

08:33 AM on 03/12/2012

Someone posted those numbers on the internet including those theoretical data rates of 73 mb. Now everyone is pretending they are personally running numbers to impress readers. And you are correct DrReve. No one will get anything close to those "LAB" numbers.

[brflux]

03:44 PM on 03/09/2012

I won't be choosing verizon or att for my ipad. I will get a wifi one eventually. I don't want yet another limited data plan that I have to worry about going over. My limited 150 gig DSL and limited 2 gig iphone data are expensive enough.

[Gudrun]

03:45 PM on 03/09/2012

I bet you will find that if you have data on a phone plane, you won't need it for the iPad, WiFi will be sufficient.

[brflux]

03:47 PM on 03/09/2012

Yep that is my plan. :)

[DrReve]

09:15 AM on 03/11/2012

I use my iPhone tethering every other day with my laptop. Read emails visit several sites, watch a couple of videos; normal usage for me, maybe 1 - 3 hrs. And I barely go over 1GB a month. I have 4GB with AT&T, when you get tethering for iPhone with AT&T they double your data from 2GB to 4GB to use with tethering for $20. So worth it, and 3G is fast enough, I couldn't careless about 4G, it's overkill.

On another note, my friend switched to Verizon and his data is double what it was when he had AT&T, with the same usage. The speeds are actually faster on ATT (where we are) and he started using his phone/tethering much less yet the data is always over 1GB. He's not liking Verizon very much.

[brflux]

11:46 AM on 03/11/2012

Thank you! This was very helpful.

[theveggiedude]

03:43 PM on 03/09/2012

I think AT&T has the better plan. I have been using their 3G service at $14.99/mo. It only gives me 250MB which sounds pitiful, but I rarely ever used all of it. The reason is, they have plentiful wifi hotspots across the nation, and its free with the plan. So I mostly used their wifi each month.

[Gudrun]

03:46 PM on 03/09/2012

That is the plan that interests me, if I do this upgrade. It would be nice to have the 3G available, if needed, but I bet I wouldn't need it all that often.

[DrReve]

09:21 AM on 03/11/2012

Exactly, people are too caught up with the number and many don't know how it translates to real world usage, aside from the wifi hotspots you mentioned. I actually use tethering alot, its way faster than the wifi at Panera and Starbucks, not to mention SECURE because you are not signing into an UNSECURED public network; that alone is worth the $20 a month for me.