International data plans in June/July? 3G limbo?

[darkpaw]

If Apple is preparing for 3G data plans in June/July in international markets but they're releasing the 3G version of the iPad in April, doesn't that leave people in limbo for up to three months?

I can get a Mi-Fi dongle today for £7.50 a month (1GB) and use that with the iPad meaning I won't have to buy the 3G version.

But what if the 3G data plan they come out with is cheaper? Based on the 250MB for $14.99 (~£9.50) I can't see it being cheaper.

I know the US data plan is contract-free but I can't see many people buying the 3G iPad and not using 3G every month. It just doesn't gel.

What do you think?

 

[anthonymoody]

Sorry i don't recall - did SJ specifically say June/July? I just recall it was 'soon' or something like that.

I would think that since all the mobile companies now have existing relationships with Apple (unlike with the iPhone at first) they should be able to roll these plans out as fast as Apple can ship devices into those markets no?

 

[lordhamster]

If Apple is preparing for 3G data plans in June/July in international markets but they're releasing the 3G version of the iPad in April, doesn't that leave people in limbo for up to three months?

I can get a Mi-Fi dongle today for £7.50 a month (1GB) and use that with the iPad meaning I won't have to buy the 3G version.

But what if the 3G data plan they come out with is cheaper? Based on the 250MB for $14.99 (~£9.50) I can't see it being cheaper.

I know the US data plan is contract-free but I can't see many people buying the 3G iPad and not using 3G every month. It just doesn't gel.

What do you think?

I may buy the 3G and not activate the 3G until I need it. It is nice to have the option. The first time I get to a hotel where they want to charge me $24.99/day for internet, then I activate the 3G.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

If Apple is preparing for 3G data plans in June/July in international markets but they're releasing the 3G version of the iPad in April, doesn't that leave people in limbo for up to three months?

How so? If you want the 3G version bad enough you'll wait. People have waited how many years for an iPad-like device, what is another few months, especially since there isn't any "killer app" ready for it anyway.

I can get a Mi-Fi dongle today for £7.50 a month (1GB) and use that with the iPad meaning I won't have to buy the 3G version.

But what if the 3G data plan they come out with is cheaper? Based on the 250MB for $14.99 (~£9.50) I can't see it being cheaper.

Again, depends on what your needs are. A MiFi is going to get you 3G access to any WiFi device you now own or will own in the future. The iPad's 3G, while less expensive will only get you 3G on the iPad. Seems to me it would be irrational and impulsive to pay for MiFi if you only needed 3G for the iPad.

I know the US data plan is contract-free but I can't see many people buying the 3G iPad and not using 3G every month. It just doesn't gel.

Why not? What if someone only needs 3G when they are traveling and they only travel every few months? At any rate I'm sure people who buy a 3G version will use 3G when they need it. When that is really is irrelevant since it's basically a month-to-month decision.

 

[anthonymoody]

... there isn't any "killer app" ready for it anyway.

Why not? What if someone only needs 3G when they are traveling and they only travel every few months? At any rate I'm sure people who buy a 3G version will use 3G when they need it. When that is really is irrelevant since it's basically a month-to-month decision.

For me the killer app is retiring my MBP and lightening my load for 8-9 pounds to <3 all-in, bag included Using my iPad as my primary computer...

I agree with your assessment of the date. I will activate and deactivate as needed. ATT allows you to do this for all current iPhone add-on plans and charges pro-rata. For now, no reason to assume we won't be able to do the same with this. I figure I'll really need 3G 3-4 days/month, for which I'll happily pay $3-4. No way I'm letting a $30/mo recurring charge hit for such relatively minimal need.