iPad 3: More Data Bang For Your Buck at AT&T?

By Josh Long

Apple has listed monthly data rates for access to its newest iPad dubbed by most as the iPad 3, but it seems to have no official name  at the nation’s largest wireless providers, AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

At Verizon Wireless, the rates are $20 for 1 gigabyte (GB) per month, $30 for 2 GB and $50 for 5 GB, according to Apple’s website. AT&T’s monthly data rates are $14.99 for 250 megabytes, $30.00 for 3 GB and $50.00 for 5 GB.

Representatives for AT&T and Verizon confirmed the rates.

That means AT&T is offering more data consumption than its bigger rival for $30 per month. The prices at AT&T are consistent with the rates it lists on its website for tablet data plans that don’t require a long-term commitment.

A spokesperson for Verizon Wireless noted that the company also offers 10 GB per month for $80.

Apple on Wednesday said the iPad 3 will be available in black or white on Friday, March 16, for a suggested retail price of $499 for the 16GB model and $699 for the 64GB model. The iPad Wi-Fi plus 4G capability for AT&T and Verizon customers will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model.

Apple said the tablet will be sold in the U.S. through the Apple Store, its retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

Asked whether and when AT&T would sell the tablet directly, an AT&T spokesman said details would be released next week. A Verizon spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to the same question.

The iPad 3 is expected to sell well, strengthening Apple’s position as the maker of the world’s most popular tablet computer.