Telstra unveils iPad data plans

[ALEXIIT]

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

Australians can pre-order the iPad from Monday, with the official release date May 28.

In a statement, 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.

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

US sales of the device have already exceeded one million.

Optus is still finalising its iPad pre-paid data plans but will be offering its so-called BYO plans that are post-paid but with no contract.

A spokeswoman on Sunday said Optus's 2GB BYO plan would have a $20 monthly access fee, $30 for 3GB and $60 for 8GB.

She said details of Optus's pre-paid iPad 3G plans could be released as early as Monday.

Personally, I think its a bit expensive seeing as in America you could get Unlimited data for roughly $33 Australian.

 

[Stealthipad]

It seems America is always cheaper on stuff like this.

Just wait, we are heading your way soon and you will hardly be able to tell the difference.

Just a few months ago our leader talks of making the Internet available for everyone in the USA no matter if you are rich or poor. Yesterday our leader seems to be against the Internet and declares that all this "information" is dangerous, especially if the "information" does not match his agenda.

It sounds like he will try to make the Internet a government utility so he can control it! He has already put a socialist friend in control of the FCC, so . . . . . .

 

[tooz]

This is the highest current available speed in my area. And we are not rural. It costs AU$70 /month for 12GB

I hate australia's broadband

 

[ALEXIIT]

This is the highest current available speed in my area. And we are not rural. It costs AU$70 /month for 12GB

I hate australia's broadband

Haha im in the exact same position here. That's my plan aswell

 

[ALEXIIT]

Yesterday our leader seems to be against the Internet and declares that all this "information" is dangerous, especially if the "information"...

Yeah same here with this bloody internet filter Rudd's trying to introduce. If someone wants to Google big black d***s then it's their own buisness.
Also they think it's going to 'protect' children. Like searching b***s is going to scar them for life.

 

[LAnMarc]

I have visited MacRumors regularly since I bought an iPod Touch in 2007 and an iPhone and MacBookPro in 2009, but this is my first post.

I am a little annoyed that Telstra have announced an iPad data plan that will cost $20 for 1Gb when their $20 data plan for the iPhone (and other 3G mobiles) is 500Mb only.
I currently have the $10 200Mb iPhone data plan that I rarely use more than half of.
If I buy a data plan for the iPad, I doubt my combined (iPad & iPhone) data usage would hit 200Mb/month, but it would cost me $30.
It would be nice if Telstra offered a shared 3G data plan for both the iPad and the iPhone (or other 3G mobile).
Although that may reduce their income a little, I'm sure it would attract other network subscribers to their NextG network.

 

[.Andy]

Yesterday our leader seems to be against the Internet and declares that all this "information" is dangerous, especially if the "information" does not match his agenda.

It sounds like he will try to make the Internet a government utility so he can control it! He has already put a socialist friend in control of the FCC, so . . . . . .

Well this is what he actually said;

With iPods and iPads; Xboxes and PlayStations; information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment.

All of this is not only putting new pressures on you; it is putting new pressures on our country and on our democracy. It's a period of breathtaking change, like few others in our history.

some of the craziest claims can quickly claim traction

We can't stop these changes, but we can adapt to them.

And education is what can allow us to do so. It can fortify you, as it did earlier generations, to meet the tests of your own time.

How you got from that to what you posted is absolutely beyond me. I think you've ironically proven his point.


As far as the telstra tariffs I'm actually quite impressed. Was one of the things that made me decide to pull the trigger. Ordered on the weekend. The $30 sounds perfect to me . To be honest I'm happy that we got an a la carte method rather than having to sign up for a 2 year plan....

 

[maghemi]

They're actually reasonable prices for a Telstra service. I was expecting to $59.95 for 500mb of data on a 24mnth contract with $1.50per mb excess the way they normally charge