Telstra iPad announcement
Filed under: Apple, gadgets and gizmos, innovation, iPad, lifestyle, mobile internet, technology, trends
Telstra today announced that it will offer dedicated iPad price plans from the end of May in Australia.
The iPad lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface. For more information about iPad please visit http://www.apple.com/au/ipad
What are your thoughts about the iPad?
Ross – Are you going to have the same account integration as AT&T does in the US?
Yes $40 a month with 3gig of data for use with both my iPhone and ipad!!!! And I will be happy:)
Great question, Steve. I’m wondering the exact same thing!
Can’t wait to get one and nice to see Telstra will have a plan available from day 1.
Please make it prepay like AT&T and not on a contract!
Would also like to prepay data that can be used over a period of 1 year rather than a monthly allowance… am I asking too much?
bit light on for detail – pricing?
I dont think they will…. most likely use the micro sim….
As long as Telstra offers a combined data cap (data is shared between iPhone and iPad) then I’ll be signing up.
If Telstra expects people to sign up for ADDITIONAL iPad data plans then they are dreaming.
Wondering whether the iPad will be available on Telstra’s NextG network?
Does anybody know?
And also what data speed is the iPad capable of going? I’m assuming it will be the same as the iPhone, so 7.2mb/s.
I take it the ‘dedicated plans’ will be for new customers and the existing customers that already have data packs on modems and smart phones will be able to tap into the data they have already purchased.
Purchasing data blocks for separate devices is getting a bit old and in terms of cost if devices were able to share data packs then there would be no additional ‘cost’ to Telstra for that.
As far as I am concerned I just want to purchase xGB of data to use from the Next G network. Whether I use that on my modem, my iPhone as a smart phone or tethered or on my iPad or even on a Next G Netbook should not really matter.
it’s going to cost an arm and a leg as usual for any Telstra products.
What can I do with that, that I can’t already do on my HTC HD2? This is only good if your sitting on the coach at home, so what’s the point? I won’t be lugging that around anytime soon…
Unless your rich users in Australia will find difficult to emprace the new wave of IPAD devices using the internet unless Telstra and co offer cap plans similiar to fixed broadplans. Could Telstra please clarify if they will do what all other Mobile ISP’s around the world do and offer cap plans ?
It would be a turn-off to have to sign up for another separate data plan, since the intended usage for me is shared with an iPhone, between home on the couch and mobile out-and-about, taking an electronic “brag book” on holidays to show elderly parents and other relatives interstate the photos and DVDs we have created of them and us.
A good yearly award or prize for those that are rated SE / SE in performance reviews?
Make it so No.1 !
Finally Telstra is doing something right, offering a product that consumers wants, even though the iPad isn’t a phone I am wondering how this will affect T-Hub.
iPhone + iPad + Next G Network + common sense data plans = win backs, increase market shares (guaranteed) and increase in share prices.
Great news. I am off to the TLife to book two – one for me and one for the wife.
I am not concerned about the price as long as it works! Some comments about price are from people who spend $15 a packet for fags and then bitch and whine about paying for quality products.
Well i would like too see if they try to match or do the same as at&t with the $29.95 Unlimited data plan with no contract….. That would be awsome as if they did….
I cant wait to get my hands on one. I know the AT&T monthly plans offer flexibility and cater for two user categories – am hoping that the Telstra offer will be similar (an “all you can eat” $29.99 a month or 250MB a month for $14.99 – neither on a contract).
Question: Will Telstra be selling the IPad hardware or just offering plans??
I think it will be great. Just to have all the iPhone apps on a 10 inch screen plus new ones will be great, especially for web access. I can see printed newspapers taking a hit with online screen subscriptions.
Apparently the image quality is good so showing photos to clients from a website is a likely use for me in photography. If you have Next G data already you should be able to use the same account and therefore cap.
Ross
I think it would be good policy, when your announcement links to the Apple website, that you clearly state that the price that users will see is in US$. Some people may not make the connection and, as a result, consider they have been misled when the ‘real’ price is released.
If the iPad allowed iPhone tethering then one could use the NextG data pack on the iPhone with the iPad… but apparently that is a no go according to what Apple has released…
BigPond GameArena’s embedded US reviewer reviewed the iPad on launch day last week, head over and have a look at his in-depth review!
http://www.gamearena.com.au/news/read.php/5072439?latest=1
You can tether to the iPad using other smartphones beside Apple iPhone, eg HTC, Nokia etc.
The fact is there is only 3-4 Apple Store in Oz, so Telstra would be in a perfect opportunity to push their data plans through by selling the iPads/iPhones. Telstra needs to review their data plans, it’s not very competitive considering they got the best mobile coverage.
I assume it’ll require some kind of extra plan, which will cost a fortune, not to mention excess usage fees. I also assume staff will get some kind of great offer that no one else gets – a friend of mine works for Telstra, and has an iPhone, Wireless and ADSL, and his staff plan gives it all to him for free!
I have a Telstra Next-G SIM card in a Novatel MiFi 2732 and it works like a dream. I can share the data plan with whatever device I want. GPS is missing but the WiFi location services on the iPad work surprisingly well. I highly recommend this setup..
I’m hoping to see combined data across multiple SIM’s, so allowances can be shared between iphone / ipad. This would also be awesome for “Family Plan” mobile packages where x minutes a month + x texts a month could be shared across 2-3 mobiles in a household.
Also how about “Loyalty Data”, for each 12 months I’ve been connected to Telstra, let me have an additional 500mb-1gb usage on top of the plan i’m currently paying for.
Steve Jobs is a one trick phone-y. This device doesn’t even come close to reinventing the wheel. Until it offers even half of the features it’s currently lacking, I for one will stick to a netbook.
Apple are merely setting the bar low, getting thousands of people on board so that once they come out with an improved device with more advanced features, they can dip their hand into the money bucket twice.
I honestly don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Just because it’s new and shiny doesn’t make it a good product.
As this market segment is hotting up with competition, will Telstra also offer alternative 3G slates/pads?
I too would like to see combined data plans, but how could that technically be possible if my iPhone uses a SIM and my iPad uses the new micro Sim?
I will be supremely happy if we (Telstra) release simple pre paid data plans as Michael Lewis mentions above.
All questions of Next G should be answered by this simple announcement (I am guessing here) because you don’t need a plan at all to use a Wifi iPad, but you will to use a 3G enabled device.
And as for all the tech interpretations – just remember the T Hub is a super nifty HOME PHONE with a touch screen, you plug it into the wall.
An iPad is a tablet computer.
I for one am super excited about adding this little tablet (and the T Hub) to my entourage of gadgets.
My credit card is going to cop it bad.
Ross, my wife and I are definitely interested, and will be purchasing one.
I’m already on Telstra Prepaid and enjoy the benefits of the NextG network, so would truly appreciate:
(1) the ability to share the purchase of Data Plus Packs across both devices, ie, put both on one Telstra account, and
(2) it would be simply outstanding if you were to match AT&T’s deals in the US as Michael Lewis has said: $14.99 for 250GB or $29.99 unlimited… or perhaps at least 1GB.
I believe such arrangements will make the Telstra offerings a winner in the marketplace, especially with NextG.
I think this sums up the iPad nicely
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNymzQoj_34
Luis, I think you need to speak to your friend again. Staff do not get it for free, unless of course it is their work phone. They get a staff discount only. Anyone should be able however, use an existing plan on multiple devices just by using the same username and password.
Will definately be getting one. You cant expect Telstra to match a data plan like AT&T’s. Next G is the fastest mobile network in the world, of course you will be paying a premium price for a premium product!
Using anything else except Next G on this device for mobile data will be pointless. Slow and lots of dropouts added with extreme frustration. Next G will be the only way. And I for 1 am happy to pay the extra for a world leading product and network!
I agree with Natedawg.. You need to look in detail about what At&T offers in their data plan prior to indicating Telstra should offer the same. Similar product, similar service then fine..But this is not the case.. You need to keep in mind that Next G is a premium product hence you are paying a premium price.
…Ross…thanks for updating us…you are a breath of fresh air indeed…
wow! It’s the iPod Touch Jumbo! It’s neat, but Apple needs a couple of more iterations before this device arrives. It’s like an iPhone, with less features, 3x the size, and less capable than a netbook that’s half the price. I think I can wait, but good onya for getting the jump for the people that have to have one now.
The iPad is the perfect device for reading graphic novels on, the iPhone is too small and my MacBook screen is the wrong shape (it needs to be long in the vertical direction and short width for better reading… like an iPhone or kindle).
what about some home ph landline replacement, that was on the news? ps. ross, is a hunk – can come and test my connection anytime, lol cheers
I have an iPad already and I will be very interested in Telstra’s plans.
I am looking at devices that create a wifi hotspot – since mine is a wifi only version.
I love it already, but it’s utility clearly benefits most from internet connect.
“Thanks for your feedback everyone. We will post more information here, including pricing, nearer the launch date.”
I’m sorry to say without even seeing the iPad plans that Telstra will be more expensive than any other carrier.
Telstra’s plans are significantly more expensive than any other carrier. You can only charge so much more for your better coverage before people get disinterested quickly and for city dwellers like myself coverage is not that important.
I have always said to my partner that I would love to bundle all my services with Telstra (2x iPhones, iPad, Internet, Home Phone & Foxtel) but cannot justify the expense and reduced data allowances that Telstra offer.
If your iPad plans are maybe $5 more expensive than other carriers I would seriously consider connecting to Telstra but as history shows, Telstra WILL be quite a bit more expensive.
Hopefully Telstra will prove me wrong.
Cheers.
Patrick, I hope we do prove you wrong.
Wearing my Telstra customer hat for a moment, let me urge you to check out the latest bundled offers. I did recently, and in less than 20 minutes, was able to reduce my monthly telephony spend (yes employees do have Telstra accounts!) by almost $200 per month.
For the record, I have a home line (and may upgrade to a T-Hub shortly), BigPond Liberty 50Gb plan, Foxtel IQ ( with additional outlets), and four mobile accounts. All appear on one bill, and the savings offered are far better in my pocket than someone elses.
Bundling is a mess, try reconciling your Telstra bills requires so forensic work. I for one agrees with Patrick, (and this is with my Telstra customer hat on as well ) Telstra is way too expensive even with their bundling they offer.
You only have to look like TPG $75 ADSL 2+ unlimited plan (no shaping) and you ask yourself why doesn’t Telstra have a plan that comes even this close for residential?
There is a fine line between offering a premium product and pricing yourself out the market, speaking to all my friends and none of them are connected to Telstra because it’s too expensive, Telstra is actually hurting their own brand name by being overly expensive.
I think today consumers are now more informed than before and they will vote with their money where they want it go.
TELSTRA , DO nOT PUT IT ON A PLAN try to match at&t’s deal with an unlimited data plan fro a pretty cheap price
Being a techy, I’ve never seen a competitively priced Telstra plan in any range.
Data – The cost per GB on any plan be it, cable, ADSL, wireless or mobile is significantly higher than competitors.
Mobile – The cost per call is significantly higher than any other competitor in the market
Home phone – Need I say more?
Find me one telstra mobile broadband plan that beats Virgin mobile in mobile broadband, Mobile phone handsets/Mobile plans – Optus Mobile caps/Virgin Mobile caps, Internode for ADSL etc etc…
Obviously if you Bundle telstra products, it will save you money, but that’s relative to Telstra’s own unbundled products…
I can have unbundled products across competitors and still save 30%??….
I currently only use Telstra because it’s the last resort i.e I don’t have competitor infrastructure.
Getting back to the iPad. Buy it outright and go with a cheap mobile data broadband plan.
Hi Telstra,
Can you kindly confirm if Telstra will be selling the iPad hardware itself or just the data plans?
Thanks !
Hi David, Telstra will sell iPad plans only.
Cheers, Brendan
Hi,
Great to see the pricing coming out. A few questions:
1. When will they be available? I have an iPad 3G now and it’d be great if I could pick up a microsim and plan and start using it.
2. Sharing a cap between two sims is purely a billing and measurement issue. There are already telcos that provide a business data cap, which means you get 15gig and it is a shared cap across multiple sim cards. This needs to be provided to individual users or families so people like me can have a smartphone and iPad, and have one data plan across both.
Thanks,
Shane.
I’ve just see the announced prepaid plans. I’m surprised that they aren’t as outrageous as Telstra pricing in the past.
But how about some options for data usage over an extended period of time – eg:
6Gb over 180 days for $90
i think that telstra should have the same sort of plans as at&t with an unlimited data for the ipad for around fifty dollars. all of my friends agree and i something like that happens were all going to get 3g ipads and use a telstra unlimited 3g ‘if it happens