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Verizon will offer iPad 4G hotspot, AT&T won’t…yet (Updated)


Update #3: Verizon Spokeman Albert Aydin told us:

The new iPad on the Verizon Wireless network will have the mobile hotspot feature. Our 4G LTE tablets have the mobile hotspot feature and it is included in the tablet data plans so for example, customers who sign up for the $30 for 2GB plan will also have access to the mobile hotspot feature.

Update #2: We’ve received official word from AT&T that the hotspot feature is not currently supported for the new iPad, but the carrier is working with Apple to enable it “in the future”:

“We are working with Apple to enable this feature in the future, but we currently do not offer it.”

Update #1: There seems to be conflicting reports with GottaBeMobile claiming a Verizon spokesperson “confirmed” the hotspot feature is included in data plan pricing for the new iPad. We’ve reached out to Verizon press rep Brenda Raney and will report back what she says.

Yesterday, when Apple unveiled the new LTE-capable iPad, mainly for the United States (and Canadian) markets, the company mentioned the personal hotspot feature. It allows you to share your data connection with up to five other Apple devices, but it will only be supported on certain carriers. However, at the time of the announcement, Apple failed to inform us on specific carriers. Now, AT&T and Verizon representatives have confirmed both carriers WILL NOT support the feature— at least for the time being. Currently, Apple’s U.S. page for the new iPad advertises the hotspot feature. We have contacted Canadian carriers. We will update this post when we get confirmation on the hotspot feature for launch partners Bell, Rogers, and TELUS. Of course, we know Verizon and AT&T are the only two carriers offering LTE plans for the device stateside. Verizon’s tweet (below) appears to confirm the feature is not yet supported.

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.