Where’s the iPad Subsidy?
February 2nd, 2010
Apple has offered up the iPad in a variety of configurations, some with WiFi, others with both WiFi and 3G. If you opt for the more expensive 3G model, you can pay $30 a month for an unlimited data plan for your iPad. If you like the sick feeling that comes with overage charges, you can opt for the $14.99 250 MB plan. It’s left us wondering why AT&T hasn’t offered the iPad with a subsidy? We commit 2 years of of our life to pay you $30 per month and you sell us an iPad at a slightly reduced price.
Sure, there is no phone plan attached, but that shouldn’t be an issue. AT&T sells data cards all day long at subsidized pricing, as long as you sign a 2-year agreement.
If AT&T were to offer a subsidized iPad, that would certainly increase sales of the iPad, especially for those who are already planning on the $30 a month plan. While it won’t be available at launch, are we that far removed from AT&T selling the iPad at a lower, subsidized pricing? Perhaps sometime during the summer after Apple has hit up all the early adopters?
The 16GB iPad with WiFi/3G retails for $629. What would that cost if AT&T were to subsidize it? Get out your calculators and give us a figure in the comments or in our iPad forums.
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