Sprint's Unlimited Data Plan Likely Keeping It from Offering the iPad Discussion

[Ed Hardy]

Starting last fall, Sprint was finally able to offer the popular iPhone. But Apple's other mobile device is still conspicuously absent: the iPad. The reason for this is almost certainly this carrier's unique unlimited data plan.

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[Jamison Cush]

There have been only a few rumors about the iPad 2 coming to Sprint, and only speculation about the new iPad -- but what you claim makes perfect sense, Ed. All that said, do you think Sprint by do away with unlimited when it finally rolls out its LTE network?

[Masterchief]

I hope not. I would much rather Sprint offer a mandated additional data fee for the ipad rather than doing away with unlimited data for all other users. Maybe the ipad alone would simply not have unlimited data, but have data offered in tiered packages like other providers.

[Ed Hardy]

do you think Sprint by do away with unlimited when it finally rolls out its LTE network?

I doubt it. LTE is an efficient networking standard, and I believe it can handle the load that's going to be placed on it by Sprint's smartphone customers on unlimited plans. Just not tablet users.

Another option would be to start offering the iPad and other 10-inch tablets with 4G service, but tell customers that they can't use an unlimited plan with these particular models.

As the only major U.S. carrier that has a realy, truly unlimited plan, it's Sprint's major differentiator. True, its prices are generally cheaper than AT&T's and Verizon's, but pricing for wireless service is so convoluted it's hard to easly get that across in a commercial. On the other hand "unlimited Internet" comes across well.