Verizon Lands iPad, Apple Device to Hit Carrier Stores Oct. 28

While rumors have been swirling about an iPhone that would run on Verizon Wireless' network, Apple and the nation's largest wireless carrier have come together around another device: the iPad.

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Verizon on Thursday announced a partnership that will see the Wi-Fi models of the popular iPad tablet computer available through Verizon's MiFi 2200 mobile hotspot device.

"We're thrilled to be working with Verizon Wireless to get iPad into the hands of even more customers this holiday season," Apple COO Tim Cook said in a statement.

Additionally, Apple is expanding its retail channels for distribution of the iPad heading into the holiday season. On Oct. 28, Verizon and AT&T (NYSE: T) will both begin selling the iPad in their stores.

AT&T remains the exclusive carrier partner for the device, offering Apple's line of iPads with a 3G data plan, which also serves to connect to the carrier's Wi-Fi hotspots, an increasingly important asset for AT&T as its wireless network strains to support the mounting data traffic from Apple's devices.

For Verizon, the iPad menu is confined to Wi-Fi-only, which will require the separate MiFi device to connect to the Internet. Verizon is offering a monthly data plan of up to 1 GB for $20.

At its stores, Verizon plans to price the 16 GB iPad with the MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot device for $629.99. The 32 GB iPad with the MiFi device will retail for $729.99, with the 64 GB pairing priced at $829.99.

AT&T will offer the same lineup of devices at the same price points, with a 3G data plan offering 250 MB per month for $14.99, or 2 GB per month for $25.

Kenneth Corbin is an associate editor at InternetNews.com, the news service of Internet.com, the network for technology professionals.