Verizon and AT&T iPad 2 data fees revealed, which will you choose?

I am quite happy with my Samsung Galaxy Tab and honestly was going to skip this version of the iPad. However, after realizing I spent over $400 on iPad apps, my posts on iPad software are quite popular here, and the fact that I am an early adopter I decided that I am going to pick one up. My next decisions to make are what color to buy (black or white) and if I buy one with carrier support. Verizon and AT&T pricing plans were fully unveiled today and as a result Verizon is now off the table for my consideration.

I personally get great coverage from AT&T and Verizon where I live, work, and play so both carriers are viable options for me. With as many smartphones as I have I don't really need the 3G model and may not end up getting it, but I do like that it has the GPS receiver with the flexibility to add data if the need arises.

Verizon iPad data fees

Verizon sent out an email stating that they will offer three iPad models tomorrow when the iPad goes on sale, $629.99 for the 16 GB model, $729.99 for the 32 GB model and $829.99 for the 64 GB model, available in black or white. Here is a breakdown of their available data plans:

• $20 per month for 1 GB
• $35 per month for 3 GB
• $50 per month for 5 GB
• $80 per month for 10 GB

There is no contract so you can turn the data on and off. I believe the $20 plan charges $20 per GB extra while the others all have $10 per GB overage fees so make sure to choose wisely. You would think Verizon would just bump you up to the next plan if you exceed that, but then that would be a carrier working for you and not against you.

AT&T iPad data fees

AT&T is continuing the same options they had before. The 250MB option really is pretty worthless on a data hungry device like the iPad and I imagine all it will do is get you into trouble with overage fees.

• $14.99 for 250MB of data
• $25.00 for 2GB of data

AT&T is offering 1 free month of 2GB data. Overage charges are $10 per GB if you exceed your limit. The iPad with iOS 4.3 may also offering tethering for an addition $20 per month with an additional 2GB of data. Given that I pay $40 for 5GB of data and tethering on my Samsung Galaxy Tab, the AT&T option with tethering doesn't seem like a bad option.

If you are a heavy data user then Verizon may be the best option while those who stay under 2GB may want to go for AT&T. Are you buying a 3G iPad 2? If so, what carrier are you choosing and why?

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