Dependent on carriers' willingness to pay

Contrary to expectations, the 3G iPad could become exclusive to one carrier in the UK, says New Media Age. Apple executives are noted to be on their way to the area, if not already there, in an attempt to negotiate with carriers for 3G data plans. O2, Orange and Vodafone, already carriers of the iPhone, are believed to be the only candidates Apple is considering for iPad support.

Even though there is less tying the iPad to carriers than the iPhone -- the American 3G iPad will be unlocked -- it is argued that Apple may be open to an exclusive deal if a carrier is willing to subsidize the hardware and/or any plans. "Apple usually gives guidelines to operators on how much it wants them to subsidize any data plans," says Ben Wood, the director of CCS Insight, a research firm. "Depending on the size of any subsidy, this is where Apple might go down the exclusivity route."

O2 has refused to comment on any possible iPad negotiations, but a Vodafone spokesman has acknowledged that the carrier is interested in talking to Apple. There is relatively little time left for all parties involved to finalize an agreement; Wi-Fi and 3G iPads are due in the UK by the end of April, and Apple has yet to publish prices for even the Wi-Fi model. By its nature, the Wi-Fi iPad is not reliant on carrier deals.

by MacNN Staff