Best Apple iPad 2 data plan, Verizon or AT&T?

Now that Apple has announced iPad 2, featuring improvements across the board from the original iPad: increased processing speed, slimmer design, less weight, cameras and a gyroscope.

Even with the device’s improvements one thing remains the same, the price.  iPad 2 prices will be identical to those of iPad 1.

Unlike the original iPad which solely utilized AT&T’s data network AT&T data network, iPad 2 will be available through both AT&T and Verizon.  The question for consumers now becomes which wireless service provider will give you the best data plan?

According to Computerworld, Verizon will offer tiered monthly data plans:

$20 for 1GB$35 for 3GB$50 for 5GB$80 for 10GB

AT&T offers two options (assuming of course you aren’t one of the fortunate ones grandfathered in with access to unlimited data at $25):

Exceeding your data limits with AT&T will cost one $10 per additional GB.

That said, it appears AT&T will provide the cheapest monthly rate, and for $5 more than, will offer an extra GB of data.

Another item of note concerning iPad 2, is how one pays for the data plan.   When launched, AT&T will allow iPad users to choose a postpaid plan whereby AT&T will add up your data usage and then add it to your monthly wireless bill.  Verizon will not offer such an option, keeping only the prepaid version.