Vodafone rushes to join iPad battle
Vodafone is in historic talks with Apple to provide a heavily subsidised iPad.
With bitter rivals Orange and the German-based T-Mobile announcing earlier this week that they will sell the technology for 50% less with a contract, Vodafone seems keen to make the move in order to not be left behind.
The plan by three operators involves a plan to put cheaper iPads on the main European markets just in time for the busy and profitable pre-Christmas sales period. At present, the iPads, currently sold with unique month-by-month plans without subsidies, might be offered for €280. However, they will come with a two-year fixed contract that costs €35 a month. For many interested in owning an iPad, this will come as great news considering that they currently cost around €800. From a recent British consumer survey that was carried out by Broadband Genie, it was found that more than 60% of those asked would never imagine paying more than €480 for an iPad.
With the details behind the deals with Apple remaining a closely kept secret, it seems likely that the computer giant will negotiate a revenue-sharing venture that will base itself around operator traffic. As well as this, the company may also be keen to agree on these deals considering that a Samsung is enjoying great success with its Galax Tab, which has thus far sold more than 600,000.
While Vodafone tries to eliminate competition and make itself the main company offering iPads, it seems that O2 has specifically ruled itself out of the battle, announcing that it will continue selling the iPad without subsidies.