Verizon Wireless Rumored To Be Testing CDMA-Compatible iPads

Sources at Boy Genius Report have received word from a "highly placed source" that Verizon Wireless is testing new iPad models compatible with the carrier's CDMA-based cellular network.

According to a highly placed source of ours, Verizon Wireless is currently testing Apple iPad devices on their network. We have been told that the model they are testing is a CDMA-compatible device, and while our source mentioned LTE in some capacity (possibly another model), we haven't been able to independently confirm that part of it.

Verizon is set to roll out its LTE (4G) network to 30 markets, which is supposedly being tested in Boston and Seattle since last August. Verizon's aggressive LTE rollout them ahead of AT&T, the current exclusive iPhone carrier in the U.S.

Apple and AT&T exclusivity deal with the iPhone and iPad has kept Verizon on the back burner, be as it may Verizon has no intentions of giving up on this just yet. Apple was expected by many observers to launch the iPad in a partnership with Verizon, but the Apple CEO Steve Jobs surprised many at the device's January introduction by announcing that it would appear as an AT&T exclusive for 3G service in the U.S. Speculation centers around AT&T having outbid its competitors with its data plans for the iPad, offering unlimited data for $29.99 per month.

Today AT&T announced, that it is moving to a $25/month, 2 GB data plan for the iPad, although customers on the existing unlimited plan can remain on it as long as they keep their plan active.