A leaked memo from the company suggest that the company and staff members are working feverishly to join partnership with Apple or at least get on the iPad train calling it an "opportunity" for Verizon to reach more customers.
According to the leaked memo published by Engadget, Verizon notes that customers wishing to purchase an iPad 3G model will not only have to spend an additional $130 for 3G, but will also need to subscribe to a monthly data plan from AT&T. Verizon apparently wants to seize upon this cost disparity between iPad's 3G and Wi-Fi only models to convince customers to sign up for a Wi-Fi only iPad instead that can use Verizon's MiFi device to access internet via 3G. Taking a potshot at AT&T, the memo reads: “Why pay more for the 3G version and get 3G service on an overloaded network with limited coverage?”
Verizon's plans to target iPad customers appears to be a brilliant move considering that even the AT&T executives do not see traction building up for the iPad's 3G model. Having said that, There is doubt that Verizon's strategy will be successful. Verizon MiFi offers a 250MB data plan at $39.99 per month and a 5GB data plan for $59.99. This is a much higher plan than the $29.99 per month iPad owners may be shelling out to access unlimited data over AT&T. In addition, Verizon's data plans come with a two year contract period, which AT&T subscribers are not constrained by. Factoring this into the equation this may be problematic for Verizon's ambitions, although it is not clear if the company is also considering special pricing plans for iPad subscribers.
However, MiFi could be an attractive alternative for those who want to use multiple gadgets on the go rather than users who want to only use it for the iPad.
It will be interesting to see what unfolds when the iPad launches next month. What do you think?
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