Verizon sees iPad launch as a way to make some big bucks

Sure, it was deja vu all over again as Yogi Berra would have said, when AT&T was selected as the 3G carrier for Apple's iPad instead of the rumored Verizon. But this time, Verizon has a way to bring in some dollars from the launch. A screen shot that was passed along to Engadget by a tipster shows a message to VZW reps from the home office. The notice reminds them that the Wi-Fi version of the tablet is expected to be launched April 3rd and that instead of waiting the few weeks for the 3G enabled model to come out, an iPad buyer could purchase the Verizon MiFi device. This way, an iPad buyer could skip AT&T's 3G network which Big Red calls, "An overloaded network with limited coverage," and use Verizon's highly praised pipelines. The one caveat-and you knew that there would be one-is that Verizon charges $60 for 5GB of data vs. the $30 AT&T will charge monthly for unlimited service. But even AT&T's CEO said that most iPad users will opt for Wi-Fi only. Still, you have got to hand it to Verizon. Here is a product that they have no connection to and yet, they have an opportunity to shoe horn its way into the Apple tablet's revenue stream thanks to its Ev-Do Rev. A network. We wonder if AT&T will have something to say publicly about this matter.

Verizon MiFi 2200 Review

source: EngadgetMobile