Verizon iPad2 Activation Fee

I wrote Verizon Wireless to see if they are indeed going to have an activation fee for data services on the iPad2, and the response I got was "YES". That is unfortunate for Verizon. AT&T's GSM 3G already has the advantage over Verizon's CDMA 3G in that GSM can roam internationally, and some say GSM 3G is faster than CDMA 3G. Verizon might have the edge over AT&T in reliability, but for a lot of people an activation fee will be unacceptable - especially since AT&T's data service for the iPad2 does not carry one.

Score 1 point for AT&T.

-----Original Message-----

Primary Subject: Internet and Data Products
Secondary Subject: Blackberry/PDA Smartphone
Message Body: Will the monthly iPad2 plan charge an initial $35 activation fee, and will this activation fee be changed again if I decide to stop using data for a few months and then order data again?

-----Response-----

Hello Craig,

My name is Clyde. I apologize for the longer than usual response times. We are currently experiencing a high volume of emails at this time. I would be more than happy to assist you with your inquiry about the Ipad2 data plan.

If you already have an Ipad with us, then you will not be charged an activation fee. An activation fee is only charged on a new line of service. If the Ipad 2 you're getting is a new line of service, it will be charged an activation fee. While you have the device open as an active line, you may opt to have our data services active on your device.

There is an activation fee if this is a new line of service, and wont be if the line already exist for a current Ipad. This would just be a device change. You may have the data services inactive for up to 60 days, and anything past that will have a $35 activation fee.

Thank you for letting me resolve your concern about the data plan on the Ipad2. It was my pleasure to serve you today.

In closing, I just wanted to take this time to appreciate your being a very valued part of the Verizon Wireless family. Should you have additional questions or feel your concerns are not resolved, please reply to this e-mail.

Respectfully,

Clyde
Internet Response Team