Since it was released this past April, iPad Wi-Fi + 3G users have had the option of subscribing to a monthly data plan from AT&T to have internet access anywhere they can get a 3G signal. Not to be outdone, Verizon has now begun to offer their MiFi Mobile Hotspot bundled with the Wifi-only model of iPad. This is a clever response to the contract Apple has with AT&T for providing service to the device, which is incompatible with Verizon’s CDMA network on its own. Verizon’s MiFi Hotspot is a small, battery-powered device that contains both a 3G modem and a WiFi transmitter. It is programmed to automatically connect to Verizon’s wireless data network and relay that connection in WiFi format, supporting up to five WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously.
Interestingly enough, Verizon is offering its iPad/MiFi Mobile Hotspot bundle at the same price as the 3G iPad sold online and in retail stores by Apple and AT&T Wireless. Verizon, like AT&T, offers wireless service on a month-to-month basis. Monthly plans differ, however, as plans for AT&T start at $14.95 for 250MB and Verizon’s plans start at $20 per month for 1GB. AT&T only has one other monthly plan, $25 for 2GB, but Verizon offers a 3GB plan for $35 and a 5GB plan for $50. Verizon also offers a 10GB package for $80 a month, which might seem like a ridiculously excessive amount of data for an iPad until you consider that the MiFi Hotspot’s WiFi can be used by full size laptops and other devices too.
So who this iPad/MiFi offering aimed at? Well, to a large degree, Verizon is targeting its existing customers – especially those who are fans of Apple products. Many Verizon Wireless users have been anxiously waiting for a Verizon model of the iPhone, which, at the time of writing, still does not have a release date. To some degree, Verizon has also been pointing out that, unlike the integrated 3G service of AT&T’s iPad, their MiFi Mobile Hotspot isn’t just good for getting their iPad online. This is a common complaint among many would-be 3G iPad users who realize “I’m locked into paying a monthly data fee for my iPhone already, why should I hand over more of my money to get online with a device that’s really just a super-sized iPhone?”
This post has been provided by Nicolas D'Alleva. Nicolas is the owner of Specialty Answering Service, a nationwide phone answering service that caters to large and small businesses. Specialty also provides virtual answering service support for businesses with no central office location.
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