iPad @ VZW on 10/28... writings on the wall for CDMA iPhone

[saving107]

So on Monday morning Steve Ballmer and Ralph de la Vega were on stage together announcing Windows Phone 7 coming to AT&T, and on Thursday morning Apple sends out a Press Release letting everyone know that the iPad is going to be sold at Verizon stores,

I think someone got their feelings hurt?

(yes I know these deals take a wile to negotiate, but its still weird timing)

 

[Mliii]

Its not just a broader channel for distribution.
Its Verizon Wireless selling it, not an electronics store or a Target and walmart type of store.
You dont see Sprint selling digital cameras or Game boys.
Obviously Apple and Verizon did come into some sort of agreement and most likely more future Apple products will be available thru them.
This is just an early stage of their business venture.
Even though I hate Verizon I have to admit something is going down between them and Apple that never existed before.

Perhaps. But I think it's premature to say that it represents an early stage of a maturing business relationship. I don't see empirical evidence of that. Yet.
And I don't hate or love Verizon. I don't see them any differently than I see AT&T, Sprint, or, for that matter, my local electric utility. They're in business to make money. What company wouldn't want to sell the iPad given how many of them are being sold?
What you are suggesting may ultimately come to pass. But I still don't think Verizon selling iPads can automatically be interpreted as a sign of more to come.
Oh, and as another poster pointed out, it will be interesting to see whether the Verizon version has their usual branding, etc all over the device.

 

[WildCowboy]

Its not just a broader channel for distribution.
Its Verizon Wireless selling it, not an electronics store or a Target and walmart type of store.
You dont see Sprint selling digital cameras or Game boys.

Apple wants to get the iPad in front of more potential customers. Verizon wants to sign up customers for its MiFi hotspots and data plans. It's clear why they're working together now that there's sufficient stock available to reach these thousands of new distribution points.

Considerable evidence is certainly pointing to a Verizon iPhone early next year, but I think people are reading too much into this iPad partnership. The WSJ and NYT iPhone reports are worth more when it comes to evidence.

 

[Applejuiced]

Bringing the iPad to more consumers thru Verizon wireless stores though?
Why not Target, Sams clubs, Fry's or other very popular shopping locations?
I know what you're saying but seems like there's a little more into this deal than just selling iPads, something that wasnt there before between those 2 companies thats all Im saying.
I know its premature still but just my guess for now.
Its pretty interesting to see how this plays though

Apple wants to get the iPad in front of more potential customers. Verizon wants to sign up customers for its MiFi hotspots and data plans. It's clear why they're working together now that there's sufficient stock available to reach these thousands of new distribution points.

Considerable evidence is certainly pointing to a Verizon iPhone early next year, but I think people are reading too much into this iPad partnership. The WSJ and NYT iPhone reports are worth more when it comes to evidence.

Perhaps. But I think it's premature to say that it represents an early stage of a maturing business relationship. I don't see empirical evidence of that. Yet.
And I don't hate or love Verizon. I don't see them any differently than I see AT&T, Sprint, or, for that matter, my local electric utility. They're in business to make money. What company wouldn't want to sell the iPad given how many of them are being sold?
What you are suggesting may ultimately come to pass. But I still don't think Verizon selling iPads can automatically be interpreted as a sign of more to come.
Oh, and as another poster pointed out, it will be interesting to see whether the Verizon version has their usual branding, etc all over the device.

That makes sense also.
AT&T is partnering up with Windows for phone 7, new blackberry torch, many more Android devices released etc...
Why would Apple sit there and not expend their horizon also?
And the comments from AT&T's CEO that he's not worried about them losing exclusivity on the iphone kinda marks the beggining of the end IMO.

So on Monday morning Steve Ballmer and Ralph de la Vega were on stage together announcing Windows Phone 7 coming to AT&T, and on Thursday morning Apple sends out a Press Release letting everyone know that the iPad is going to be sold at Verizon stores,

I think someone got their feelings hurt?

(yes I know these deals take a wile to negotiate, but its still weird timing)

 

[KidStallyn]

What? That iPad doesn't even have CDMA radio in it? That makes me disagree with you even more.

I was going to say that as well. But, kudos to Verizon who's going to offer up a package deal that's the same price as the 3G iPad that includes Mi-Fi and a data plan at 20/month for 1GB.

From the rumors I've heard form someone who works at Verizon, they were told that the bundle would include a case that holds both the Mi-Fi and the iPad. I have no media confirmation though....Purely the word of this one employee who was relaying their staff meeting last night.

 

[KidStallyn]

Bringing the iPad to more consumers thru Verizon wireless stores though?
Why not Target, Sams clubs, Fry's or other very popular shopping locations?
I know what you're saying but seems like there's a little more into this deal than just selling iPads, something that wasnt there before between those 2 companies thats all Im saying.
I know its premature still but just my guess for now.
Its pretty interesting to see how this plays though

Having Amazon partnered with Target, I was surprised to see Target start selling the iPad. Now you have the Kindles biggest competition sitting right next to it in Target stores. Can you say Buh Bye Kindle.......

 

[jacollins]

(yes I know these deals take a wile to negotiate, but its still weird timing)

How about them releasing Win Mobile 7 on Monday, and "suddenly" WSJ and NYT start talking about a Verizon iPhone a couple days before? How's that for wierd timing?

 

[saving107]

From the rumors I've heard form someone who works at Verizon, they were told that the bundle would include a case that holds both the Mi-Fi and the iPad.

Earlier this year Sprint offered iPad owners a case for the iPad with a MiFi pocket holder (if you signed up for their Overdrive service), so if Verizon offers the same deal, then its not that bad of a deal.

 

[scaredpoet]

So on Monday morning Steve Ballmer and Ralph de la Vega were on stage together announcing Windows Phone 7 coming to AT&T, and on Thursday morning Apple sends out a Press Release letting everyone know that the iPad is going to be sold at Verizon stores,

I think someone got their feelings hurt?

Hah, no. AT&T's been selling Windows Mobile devices since long before there even was an iPhone.

I'm beginning to agree that the writing is on the wall though. AT&T pushed the Blackberry Torch for a while, and now the ipad is going on sale at Verizon.

I still have my doubts that an iPhone 4 is coming to VZW in January, however. But, the next iPhone I can totally see having a multimode GSM/HSPA+/CDMA chispet, and rolling out during the customary June timeframe. That would make sense. I would also not be surprised if Sprint got some action as well. T-Mobile, maybe...

 

[bighabeeb]

No, it's not.

Verizon is not in the consumer electronics industry. You don't see them selling MP3 players, digital cameras, GPS devices and so on. There is something much deeper to this.

Honestly, I dont think there's anything deeper to it. This is a way for Verizon to move more of their mifi devices and get people locked into contracts. Keep in mind that, at least on AT&T, the 3G ipad is a recurring but month to month thing. It can be cancelled at any time with no ETF. The mifi is not set up that way. It has it's plusses: ability to connect several devices for one (for just twenty bucks a month for 1GB of data).

Just like VZW was selling netbooks for awhile: they didn't particularly care about the netbook itself: they were giving them away at one point. What they wanted was to lock people into a contract that would give them on-going payments.


All of that having been said, it wouldn't stun me to see the iphone on VZW soon, but I think there's still details to be worked out: for example - VZW has their own music dealing service...how is that going to mesh with itunes? New contracts based on iphones are good, but losing that revenue on music sales is not something I can see VZW being OK with, money grubbing bastichs that they are.

 

[Syk]

No, it's not.

Verizon is not in the consumer electronics industry. You don't see them selling MP3 players, digital cameras, GPS devices and so on. There is something much deeper to this.

the iPad is a mobile device that needs internet access. Verizon can provide that access. If Verizon started selling cameras then you may have a point. AT&T and Verizon both sell netbooks.

 

[thetexan]

Honestly, I dont think there's anything deeper to it. This is a way for Verizon to move more of their mifi devices and get people locked into contracts. Keep in mind that, at least on AT&T, the 3G ipad is a recurring but month to month thing. It can be cancelled at any time with no ETF. The mifi is not set up that way. It has it's plusses: ability to connect several devices for one (for just twenty bucks a month for 1GB of data).

Just like VZW was selling netbooks for awhile: they didn't particularly care about the netbook itself: they were giving them away at one point. What they wanted was to lock people into a contract that would give them on-going payments.


All of that having been said, it wouldn't stun me to see the iphone on VZW soon, but I think there's still details to be worked out: for example - VZW has their own music dealing service...how is that going to mesh with itunes? New contracts based on iphones are good, but losing that revenue on music sales is not something I can see VZW being OK with, money grubbing bastichs that they are.

There is contract on the normal Mifi, however There is no contract with the Mifi device bundled through Verizon with the iPad.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/ipad_faq.jsp

Q: Will customers have to sign a service agreement to purchase the iPad and MiFi promotional bundle from Verizon Wireless?
A: Customers will need to sign a service agreement for the 3G Plans with the MiFi device, but the plans will be available on a month-to-month basis without any termination fee

My guess is service agreement is similar to the terms of service you have to agree to before using a device.

 

[sarcosis]

There is contract on the normal Mifi, however There is no contract with the Mifi device bundled through Verizon with the iPad.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/ipad_faq.jsp



My guess is service agreement is similar to the terms of service you have to agree to before using a device.

I think it's slightly different than what you would get vs a prepaid account. From what I read, you can get the MiFi w/ No commitment 1GB cap for 20$.

 

[icyfire]

one thing people are forgetting is that Verizon is selling this iPad/mifi package with the $20/month 1GB package WITHOUT A CONTRACT. This is absolutely UNPRECEDENTED where Verizon has essentially created a new plan just for one device. If there was such a thing as writing on the wall, I can't think of any better example. A CDMA iPhone is coming to Verizon guaranteed. No way would Verizon go thorugh all this trouble just so that they can sell a few extra Mifi devices which don't even come with a contract.

I do think that it would be weird to release a CDMA iPhone mid cycle in Jan like the WSJ and NY Times are saying, but then again, Apple agreeing to this iPad/Mifi package is certainly a bit bizarre. Then of course, there's the whole situation where AT&T gave people early upgrades for the iPhone 4 so maybe the Verizon CDMA iPhone will come out before the usual June/July release.

 

[Mademan12321]

I'm reluctant to wade into this whole 'iPhone on Verizon' deal because I REALLY don't care which company sells the thing! My gf has Verizon, and we can be sitting side by side and sometimes she gets calls I don't and sometimes I get calls that she doesn't. I don't love ANY cell phone carrier!
.

Smartest answer I heard in months

 

[Geckotek]

The fact that Apple and Verizon are working together is significant. Remember everyone saying Steve Job hates Verizon because they passed on the iPhone? So much for that theory.

EXACTLY! This is big. All of those people that were soooo convinced that Steve Jobs would have to beg Verizon to work with them or that Verizon would have to come on hands and knees to Steve Jobs.....I doubt either one came begging, but here you have it. They are officially in buiness together. This was the biggest hurdle to a Verizon iPhone.

Having Amazon partnered with Target, I was surprised to see Target start selling the iPad. Now you have the Kindles biggest competition sitting right next to it in Target stores. Can you say Buh Bye Kindle.......

Not even, people I know that have a Kindle wouldn't even debate the iPad. These are true readers, not interested in all the rest of the functionality of the iPad. The iPad is just too heavy for one.

AT&T is partnering up with Windows for phone 7, new blackberry torch, many more Android devices released etc...
Why would Apple sit there and not expend their horizon also?
And the comments from AT&T's CEO that he's not worried about them losing exclusivity on the iphone kinda marks the beggining of the end IMO.

The honeymoon is over.

Hah, no. AT&T's been selling Windows Mobile devices since long before there even was an iPhone.

I'm beginning to agree that the writing is on the wall though. AT&T pushed the Blackberry Torch for a while, and now the ipad is going on sale at Verizon.

I still have my doubts that an iPhone 4 is coming to VZW in January, however. But, the next iPhone I can totally see having a multimode GSM/HSPA+/CDMA chispet, and rolling out during the customary June timeframe. That would make sense. I would also not be surprised if Sprint got some action as well. T-Mobile, maybe...

There are hundreds if not thousands of mobile phones manufactured in both CDMA and GSM versions.

Apple makes tons of products that are offered in various models. Many with different configurations of internal hardware.

WHY is it SOOO hard to think they could make more than one iPhone?

 

[MonkeyET]

I wouldn't draw any conclusion about the iPhone coming to Verizon or Sprint or whomever from what's happening with the iPad. It's a different product niche and the channels for distribution are a LOT broader than that established for the iPhone.
There may be OTHER hints about a Verizon iPhone that mean something, but I don't think availability of the iPad is one of them.
Oh and "why else" would they be selling it? Hmmmm...$$$...

How would it not indicate a future deal? So far only electronics retailers have sold the iPad....Apple, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart...

Bringing the iPad to more consumers thru Verizon wireless stores though?
Why not Target, Sams clubs, Fry's or other very popular shopping locations?
I know what you're saying but seems like there's a little more into this deal than just selling iPads, something that wasnt there before between those 2 companies thats all Im saying.
Why would Apple sit there and not expend their horizon also?
And the comments from AT&T's CEO that he's not worried about them losing exclusivity on the iphone kinda marks the beggining of the end IMO.

You did see that last week Target had the iPad on the front page of their ad...and I thought I saw Sam's Club (part of the Wal-Mart conglomerate) is going to start selling the iPad as well.

I almost bought an iPhone last week. After this, I have to wait until January. Although, if nothing is said by then, I will buy an AT&T one and hope the rumors of the GSM/CDMA hybrid is true for iP5. I can't wait until June or later...

 

[saving107]

one thing people are forgetting is that Verizon is selling this iPad/mifi package with the $20/month 1GB package WITHOUT A CONTRACT. This is absolutely UNPRECEDENTED where Verizon has essentially created a new plan just for one device.

I may not require a contract, but I do have to pay $130 more upfront for the bundle option. So for those $130 I am pretty much buying a MiFi from Verizon to own and use when I please (so their is no need for a contract)

 

[kdarling]

Hah, no. AT&T's been selling Windows Mobile devices since long before there even was an iPhone.

True, but ATT's making a big deal about how they're a premier WP7 carrier. They're also jumping more onto the Android bandwagon. They definitely want their shareholders to think they can easily handle the loss of iPhone exclusivity.

Ironically, Verizon ended up in a pretty good position because of not having the iPhone. They backed Android, and by using in-your-face ads, made Droid a household word. Android phones are outselling the iPhone in the USA and it's predicted to be the number one mobile OS in the world by 2014.

In addition, Verizon will have the Samsung Galaxy Tab for sale soon, along with the RIM Playbook. (Verizon already had 1/3 of RIM's world phone sales, so they had that ace as well.)

All in all, I agree with those who say that Apple needs Verizon more than vice versa, but certainly each can benefit from dealing together. Only kids thought that it would never happen.

 

[MonkeyET]

I may not require a contract, but I do have to pay $130 more upfront for the bundle option. So for those $130 I am pretty much buying a MiFi from Verizon to own and use when I please (so their is no need for a contract)

I would rather have a Mifi that I could use for multiple devices over a 3G built in unit anyway. Does anyone know whether this is a contract free purchase?

 

[Geckotek]

I would rather have a Mifi that I could use for multiple devices over a 3G built in unit anyway. Does anyone know whether this is a contract free purchase?

Hahaha...go re-read the post you quoted. Especially the quoted and ALL CAPS text in that post.

 

[MonkeyET]

Hahaha...go re-read the post you quoted. Especially the quoted and ALL CAPS text in that post.

I read it, but I did not feel confident that this was the case since I had only read the Apple release. I did not see anything (I may have overlooked) in the press release, and assumed I couldn't get any info from Verizon considering they don't start selling until the 28th.

Well on Verizonwireless.com they do say a month-to-month plan is available. I assumed the post was opinion not a fact since there was no reference to any sort of news brief on the subject listed. I mistyped that one...my bad.

 

[Geckotek]

I read it, but I did not feel confident that this was the case since I had only read the Apple release. I did not see anything (I may have overlooked) in the press release, and assumed I couldn't get any info from Verizon considering they don't start selling until the 28th.

Well on Verizonwireless.com they do say a month-to-month plan is available. I assumed the post was opinion not a fact since there was no reference to any sort of news brief on the subject listed. I mistyped that one...my bad.

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/10...d-apple-gets-4200-new-points-of-distribution/

•A press release from Verizon (VZ) announcing that it too will be selling iPads starting Oct. 28 at more than 2,000 Verizon stores. To get around the fact that Apple doesn't make iPads with CDMA chips, Verizon is bundling Wi-Fi-only iPads with Verizon MiFi mobile hotspots for the same price as a Wi-Fi+3G iPad. Verizon's data plan offers 1GB for $20 a month. UPDATE: It doesn't say so in the press release, but Verizon's data plan, like AT&T's, can be terminated at any time without penalty, a Verizon first.

 

[goobot]

lol op. last time i checked wifi doesnt equal 3g. for all apple cares Verizon can sell the iphone contractless in their store too. that doesnt mean it will work on their network.

 

[MonkeyET]

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/10...d-apple-gets-4200-new-points-of-distribution/

Good call. If I didn't have the desire to see what the next round of iPads had to offer, I might jump on this deal. I could use the MiFi for my MBP on trips! I am hoping they have some sort of camera on the next round so Facetime can make it debut on multiple units. I can hope it may be apart of some new announcement next Wednesday right?