Leaked Memo Reveals Verizon’s Plan To Promote MiFi To iPad Customers

Apple may have chosen AT&T as its partner for iPad's 3G model, but Verizon is not giving up on it as yet. 

A leaked memo that the company has circulated among its staff members calls upon the iPad as an "opportunity" for Verizon to reach more customers.

According to the leaked memo published by Engadget, Verizon notes that customers wishing to purchase an iPad 3G model will not only have to spend an additional $130 for 3G, but will also need to subscribe to a monthly data plan from AT&T. Verizon apparently wants to seize upon this cost disparity between iPad's 3G and Wi-Fi only models to convince customers to sign up for a Wi-Fi only iPad instead that can use Verizon's MiFi device to access internet via 3G. Taking a potshot at AT&T, the memo reads:

“Why pay more for the 3G version and get 3G service on an overloaded network with limited coverage?”

Verizon's strategy to target iPad customers appears to be a smart move considering that even the AT&T executives do not see traction building up for the iPad's 3G model. Having said that, we doubt if Verizon's strategy shall be a success. Verizon MiFi offers a 250MB data plan at $39.99 per month and a 5GB data plan for $59.99. This is much higher than the $29.99 per month iPad owners may be shelling out to access unlimited data over AT&T. Additionally, Verizon's data plans come with a two year contract period, which AT&T subscribers are not constrained by. These factors may weigh heavily against Verizon's ambitions though it is not clear if the company is also contemplating special pricing plans for iPad subscribers.

However, MiFi could be an attractive alternative for road warriors who want to use multiple gadgets (to access internet) on the go rather than users who want to only use it for the iPad. 

It will be interesting to see if the company shall be able to effectively take on AT&T when the iPad launches next month. What do you think?

[via Engadget]