When the iPhone launched in the UK it was famously (some might say infamously) exclusive to O2. Not until late 2009 was that stranglehold broken, but it seems just about everyone will be involved with the iPad…
Vodafone, O2 and Orange have made virtually identical (and therefore clearly Apple founded) statements confirming: “Vodafone/Orange/O2 today announced that it will offer dedicated iPad price plans for all models from the end of May”. This is in line with the iPad delay Apple confirmed yesterday.
To this generic statement Vodafone added “…in Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK”, Orange tacked on “…in the UK” and O2 added “…(in France, UK, Spain and Switzerland).” Furthermore T-Mobile is known to be in talks with Apple leaving 3 as the only major telco whose position is unclear. That said, given the iPad will be available unlocked it could be argued any network which is prepared to burden itself with the micro SIM format can get in on the act.
Sadly none of the networks provided a breakdown of the tariffs they will offer, but we should find out subsidised and unsubsidised details soon enough. That said, this open network approach from Apple bodes well for the next generation of iPhone which is traditionally unveiled each June. Open across all networks? Yes please !
Resource:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/laptops/news/2010/04/15/O2–Orange—Vodafone-Announce-iPad-Tariffs/p1
