“We’re six days away from the Apple event and carrier details haven’t been finalized, which may mean Apple will announce the product without the logical ‘who and how much’ part of the announcement,” Morris reports. “Network choice would instantly become the elephant in the room.”
Morris reports, “Apple is in talks with both AT&T and Verizon to support the tablet, according to sources within the companies: One version of the device will run on CDMA networks such as Verizon’s, and one will operate on GSM networks like that owned by AT&T. “
“Verizon spokesman Jeff Nelson told me the company has been considering tiered pricing for upcoming tablet devices that will use the company’s network, though Nelson wouldn’t specifically name Apple’s tablet,” Morris reports. “The data plans are said to be structured similarly to those each company currently offers for netbooks and laptops. But we’re unlikely to hear about pricing at Apple’s event next week.”
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Lynn W.” for the heads up.]
It’s been rumored that I’ll be carrying the mystical Tablet from my basement in 5 days on T-Moblie and/or Cricket.
Apple certainly is the master at manipulating the media into a whirlwind like frenzy.
…Duh…
When did Fox News suddenly become an accurate or reliable source for news?
“One version … on CDMA …, and one … on GSM.”
I can’t see Apple making two different devices for different networks. The pundits/analysts need to “Think Different.”
@silverhawk – My sentiments, exactly. It could be dual capable, GSM and CDMA, but not separate flavors that would be a de facto lock in to a carrier. Defeats the purpose and is customer unfriendly. Apple’s not going to do it.
@GeeOne – You’re apparently not aware of MDNs political leanings.
It would be nice if the ‘islate’ had 802.11n and ATT turned on tethering for the iphone (for say $15 per month) which I could use with the tablet when wifi isn’t available. Not the most elegant solution but I could use tethering with my macbook also. Probably too much to ask for!
Meh. We’ll see next week.
Cellular carriers need to be like home providers. I have Verizon at home for phone, internet and television. They charge me a flat rate for each. Doesn’t matter how many phones, Macs, or TV’s are hooked up. Well, they do get me on the TV’s with the required STB. But why is wireless different? Why do they charge per device?
The answer is people are willing to throw their money around. My wife and I pay a combined $80 to Sprint. And I think thats outrageous. If we got iPhones, we’d be spending $160 minimum each month. Totally insane.
@Silverhawk / Lurker Yup I agree with you guys – it has to be dual capable, otherwise Apple would have to manage two separate inventories and demand.
The pricing for data access will be interesting. I’m sure both companies will want to gouge the customer as much as possible if Apple let them.
Uh, and are you two aware of YOUR political leanings?
Don’t forget, no matter which side of the political spectrum you hang your hat on, exactly 50% of the people around you disagree with everything you hold sacred. There is no holy ground in American politics anymore (thankfully).
“Don’t forget, no matter which side of the political spectrum you hang your hat on, exactly 50% of the people around you disagree with everything you hold sacred.”
Agreed! Which is why politically commentary from the right or left has no place here.
On topic, I agree Apple will not make a separate device for each network standard. It will be for only one or both.
I love my iPhone but I don’t want/can’t afford another 2-year plan. Data-only is what, $30/month? I’d rather just buy the device and use wi-fi.
GeeOne & lurker
You do realize that Fox is the most watched news on TV,
(oh yeah I forgot that is just the the “unwashed masses” and they are not nearly as smart as the “intellectual elite” like you two)
If the Tablet ships in March, there is no telecomm chip built in, making the Tablet carrier agnostic (universal), otherwise we’ll all wait six-months before we get our hands on one.
If AT&T announces iPhone tethering for the Tablet on Wednesday, then they’ll have exclusive use of the Tablet for a few months, pending the approval of Apple’s new hybrid iPhone.
The “world-mode” iPhone could support both CDMA2000 and GSM using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and will allow consumers to tether their tablets to the Net using their iPhones.
Either way, I believe the Tablet will be carrier agnostic.
Exclusivity is a short walk to the threshold of diminishing returns and five years is what it took for Apple to prove they’re for real. AT&T and Apple benefited greatly from the partnership and now it’s time for Apple to reap the greater reward for the their patience.
They can now leverage their integrity and admiration to win over an even greater audience by producing mobile products with universal appeal. All carriers will avail themselves of these new “world-mode” products and this will send shockwaves through Moto, Samsung, Nokia, and Google.
Simple solution is to make cellular data access optional via a data card. Plug in whichever type of card for whatever network you want.
If you need to have a carrier contract I am afraid this will be the first Apple product I will not buy. I really looked forward to a highly portable mac but my iPhone carrier fees are high enough as it is. And my three college student grandkids are in the same boat. Too bad.
lurker
I like MDNs political leanings. if u don’t, go “lurk” elsewhere!
@Uncle Festers Cousin
And American Idol is the most watched show on television. What’s your point?
@@GeeOne and lurker, whoever you may be
@Imageone
@UncleFestersCousin
Such sensitivity! You actually don’t have a clue as to my political proclivities. I was just trying to explain why MDN was using Faux News as a source. I do agree with iSteve. The political sniping and snarking on MDN is getting old fast.
@ lurker
You brought up politics, I merely pointed out your hypocrisy.
@ jocknerd
Is there something wrong with american idol?
I have seen it several times (over the many years it has been on) and always seems to be a fairly reasonable show. (certainly seems better than 90% of what is on US TV.)