Telcos eye Apple's iPad

Australia's mobile giants are warming to the idea of being a carrier of Apple's newly released iPad tablet, unveiled yesterday.

Telstra said it was looking forward to discussions with Apple about "the possibility of bringing the iPad to the Next G network".

Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) said it was "very interested" in Apple's iPad. It would be "a welcome addition to our product range", the company said.

An Optus spokesperson also welcomed the iPad and said it was looking forward to its availability locally.

The iPad tablet was unveiled in San Francisco yesterday. There are two models, one of which was confirmed to be available in March by an Australian Apple spokesperson.

Only the Wi-Fi version has been confirmed for Australia. The Wi-Fi and 3G iPad — the one mobile giant's would be most interested in — which would be available in April in the US, could not be confirmed for down under.