AT&T Offers Up All The Details On Data Plans For iPad 3G

Happy iPad 3G Eve. In just over 24 hours, Apple fans that managed to resist the temptation to pick up a Wifi iPad and were able to get their preorders in will be enjoying their new 3G enabled device with the freedom to roam and use their magical tablet wherever AT&T's 3G map will permit. Ahead of the launch, AT&T has released a full PDF document on their site outlining what to expect with data plans for the 3G device. As Steve Jobs announced in January at the iPad's unveiling, Apple and AT&T managed to secure a unique data plan offering customers the convenience of 3G data connection but without the contractual obligations that usually come with such plans. Here is the breakdown:

Service can be activated with an on board service management tool that will take your payments via credit card. Once you sign up for either of the 2 available plans, you'll have 30 days of continuous use. One thing to note is that the plan is recurring meaning you'll automatically be signed up for an additional 30 days of service unless you opt out at the end of the service month.

For customers opting to go for the 250 MB plan, you'll be able to track your data usage on your iPad and even receive alerts when you approach your 250 MB limit with notifications at 20%, 10% and when data is completely used up. For those of you looking to try this option and hoping you can just pay the difference to upgrade to unlimited, you'll be out of luck. After you use up your 250MB, it's either renew that plan or start the unlimited one. Word of advice, start out with an unlimited plan and track your use before trying to go cheap. 250 MB can go pretty quick and it's measured in upload and download data transfer. One good thing, however, is there are no overages. Service will just be disconnected when you reach your 250 MB cap.

Now the real question is, how much can I get for my WiFi iPad and upgrade to the 3G?

[AT&T iPad 3G Fact Sheet]

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