What is it about Apple that makes companies send out press releases on a Sunday? Who the hell works on a Sunday? Both Telstra and Optus, as it turns out, with both companies sending some information on their iPad 3G pre-paid plans.
Telstra’s pre-paid plans are official. You’ll need to fork over $30 for a starter kit, which includes 1GB of data standard, plus a bonus 2GB if you buy it before June 30.
From there, recharge amounts start at $20 for 1GB, $30 for 3GB, $60 for 6GB, $80 for 9GB and $100 for 12GB, with each plan having a 30 day expiry.
Optus, meanwhile, sent out a email a few hours after the Telstra release saying that while they haven’t confirmed their pricing model yet, they’ll have both pre-paid and month-to-month data plans, with the monthly data plans running at $20 for 2GB, $30 for 3Gb and $60 for 8GB a month.
Telstra Announces Data Plans for iPad 3G in Australia
MELBOURNE – May 9, 2010 – Telstra today announced it will offer dedicated data plans for iPad 3G in Australia beginning May 28, 2010. All data plans will be available without a contract, providing the freedom to activate or cancel a plan at any time.
iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface. iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G models are just 0.5 inches thick and weigh just 1.6 pounds — thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook — and deliver up to 10 hours of battery life for surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music, and up to nine hours of surfing the web using a 3G data network.*
“Telstra’s pricing for iPad 3G gives customers control and flexibility to access the Internet on-the-go while connected to the Telstra Next GTM network,” said Ross Fielding, executive director, Telstra Mobility Products.
“Telstra is providing Australians the ability to enjoy 3G on iPad in more places than on any other network.”