As previously flagged, Telecom has launched its Micro-SIM card today - a new format of SIM card that is only compatible with Apple's iPad 3G (launched Friday) and iPhone 4 (due to be launched in NZ July 30).Telecom has also launched a couple of "opti
As previously flagged, Telecom has launched its Micro-SIM card today - a new format of SIM card that is only compatible with Apple's iPad 3G (launched Friday) and iPhone 4 (due to be launched in NZ July 30).
Telecom has also launched a couple of "options" to go with its Micro-SIMs (they can't be official "plans" because, at least on some abstract theoretical level, Vodafone is Apple's sole official carrier in New Zealand).
A spokeswoman told NBR the Micro-SIMs should available in Telecom's Auckland retail stores today; the rest of the North Island tomorrow and the South Island Wednesday.
There are two dedicated iPad plans for XT: 240MB of data costs $18 a month; $29.95 will buy 500MB.
Both plans are available on pre-pay or post-paid (open term).
Users who sign up for the 500MB post-paid plan will get a Micro-SIM free; others will pay $29.95.
Users can also opt for regular mobile broadband data plans, including 2GB and 4GB options ($59.95 and $79.95 respectively on prepay).
The official story
Vodafone announced its dedicated iPad plans last week. 250MB costs $20 a month; 3GB $50 (like Telecom, any data plan can be chosen beyond the dedicated iPad options).
Grass greener across the ditch
Neither telco holds a candle to plans being offered by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone across the ditch, which include the latter's flagship $A49.95/month unlimited data deal.
More Micro-SIMs on the way
Orcon, a Vodafone wholesale partner that plans to offer its own Micro-SIMs, told NBR it was still finalising its plans.
2degrees, which promises its 3G upgrade by the end of the year, plans to launch Micro-SIMs in August.
Although every iPad 3G is sold with a Vodafone NZ Micro-SIM inside, Vodafone is not selling the tablet directly (it is only available through Apple retailers) and accordingly offers no subsidy.
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