ATT admits iPad data plans better for many

AT&T's Emerging Devices product development VP David Haight today said at the 4G World expo today that the company might back away from its traditionally high data-only plans and more towards those like for the iPad. While the iPad was successful, most other devices weren't selling that well because of the traditional US carrier model of $60 per month and an emphasis on contract-bound, locked devices. Apple's special plans were better, he told PCMag, since they were not only much less expensive at $25 but didn't force users to pay for service they didn't need.

"Customers love the rate plans," Haight said. "Customers are willing to spend $630 [on a 3G iPad] because they didn't sign a contract... [and] they felt in control."

He also used the wireless technology gathering to jab Verizon's iPad plans, noting that having built-in 3G was simpler. Verizon's plan gives users a MiFi that has less battery life than a true 3G iPad but also lets users connect four other devices to the Internet beyond just Apple's tablet. Integration would still "win every time," the executive said.

Haight expected tablets to be slow this year, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab and OpenPeak as the brunt of the efforts left in 2010, but he saw a "big explosion" of tablets coming in spring. HTC, LG and Motorola are all known to be working on tablets that may arrive in a similar timeframe.

By Electronista Staff