New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

Verizon Including Mobile Hotspot in iPad Data Plans at No Additional Charge

Thursday March 8, 2012 10:12 am PST by Eric Slivka
GottaBeMobile reports that Verizon has officially announced that its data plans for the new iPad Wi-Fi + 4G will include mobile hotspot functionality at no additional charge. The feature allows users to share the device's cellular connection, broadcasting it as Wi-Fi signal that can be used to provide data connectivity for notebook computers and other devices.
What I didn’t see when I went looking for [details] is how much extra mobile hotspot costs. On Verizon, adding this feature on phones adds an extra $20/month but also an extra 2GB of data, meaning you can get up to 12GB in a month if you’re willing to pay $100.

However, a Verizon Wireless spokesperson informed me that for tablets (including the new iPad), the mobile hotspot feature is included in the data plan’s price. iPad owners won’t have to pay extra to activate mobile hotspot, even with the 1GB plan.

AT&T has yet to announce specific plans for mobile hotspot functionality on the new iPad, as a statement provided to 9to5Mac indicates that the carrier is "working with Apple" on the issue, but isn't offering this capability at all at the moment.

Related Roundup: iPad
Tag: Verizon
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Neutral)
[ 167 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
unlimitedx
86 months ago
Wish hot spot was free with iPhone data plan instead of the ipad
Rating: 18 Votes
Avatar
cxny
86 months ago
At&$ vs Veri$on

Should have been figured out before launch, 5-10 million people deserve to be fully informed before preorder.
Rating: 16 Votes
Avatar
afawcett
86 months ago
nicely done verizon. i hope att follows your lead.
Rating: 14 Votes
Avatar
IBradMac
86 months ago
In other words AT&T is still trying to figure out the best way to milk their customer for the most money.
Rating: 13 Votes
Avatar
Caliber26
86 months ago
IF AT&T enables it, rest assured it'll be only for the $50 plan.
Rating: 12 Votes
Avatar
kjacks52
86 months ago
Really wish I would have known this before ordering an AT&T model.
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
akm3
86 months ago

It seems like it would be GOOD for ATT to include it. Since it eats data quicker and they could charge more for the next amount of data.


The carriers don't want people to actually USE data, they want them to PAY for more data than they need.

If you pay for 5GB and USE 5GB you are a problem for AT&T.

If you pay for 3GB and use 500mb you are a golden goose. They want to encourage the second model anyway they can.
Rating: 10 Votes
Avatar
kmac12
86 months ago
It seems like it would be GOOD for ATT to include it. Since it eats data quicker and they could charge more for the next amount of data.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
TheTaytay
86 months ago
Just canceled my AT&T order and switched to Verizon. Whew! That was close! :)
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
nbuubu
86 months ago

William J.: Welcome to AT&T online Sales support. How may I assist you with placing your order today?
RJ: I recently ordered the new iPad that has LTE and WiFi - Because I'm in the Seattle market - 1. What are my data plan options? and 2. When is LTE scheduled to come to Seattle
William J.: I will be happy to help you! One moment please.
William J.: The data plans you would have to choose from would be the 300MB Data Plus for $20.00, the 3GB Data Pro for $30.00 and the 5GB Data Pro for $50.00 which comes with tethering/mobile hotspot.
William J.: I am sorry, I do not have this information. Can I help with anything else?
Richard: so tethering/hotspot will only be with the $50 - 5GB plan
Richard: ?
William J.: Yes.
RJ: is that with a contract or on a monthly basis - basically if i want to turn it off and on?
William J.: No, this would be with 2 year contract.
RJ: ok thanks

When ordering a iPad the price plans no longer appear for AT&T and Verizon.


AT&T can stuff it. They only offer tethering with a $50 plan and they force you to sign a contract with them to get it? While not subsidizing the hardware at all?

Hilarious.
Rating: 7 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]