May 09, 2010

iPad Ripoff: Telstra unveils data plans for iPad


BrisbaneTimes.com.au


As Australia braces for the arrival of Apple's latest gadget - the iPad - Telstra has unveilled its data plans for the portable tablet computer.

Australian tech-tragics can pre-order the iPad from tomorrow, with the official release date May 28.

In a statement today, Telstra said it would offer dedicated data plans for iPad 3G, with all plans to be available without a contract starting at $20.

The pre-paid SIM plans offering a 1GB data allowance cost $20, with 3GB at $30 and 6GB for $60.

"Telstra's pricing for iPad 3G gives customers control and flexibility to access the Internet on-the-go while connected to the Telstra Next G network," Telstra Mobility Products executive director Ross Fielding said in the statement.

A spokesman for Telstra added that the company's stores would not be retailing the iPad but it had created the plans in anticipation of very strong demand for the product.

"iPhone is one of our most popular phones and we expect this new category of device is going to be extremely popular," he said on Sunday.

The iPad can be pre-ordered from Monday through Apple's online store and it will be available through Apple resellers on May 28.

The device was released in the US market on April 3 but huge demand there forced a delay in its international release.

US sales have already exceeded one million.