iPad 3: Verizon to offer 4G hotspot at release, AT&T will ‘in the future’

Yesterday, when Apple revealed the new iPad, or iPad 3, they also mentioned a personal hotspot feature as part of the new 4G LTE.  The personal hotspot allows you to share your data connection with up to five other Apple devices, but only if the carrier supports it.

At the time of the iPad 3 announcement, Apple didn't mention if AT&T or Verizon, who were both announced as LTE partners, will support the hotspot feature.  And after some early conflicting rumors, it has finally been confirmed that Verizon will have the new iPad's mobile hotspot feature at launch, while AT&T will not.

"The new iPad on Verizon Wireless network will have the mobile hotspot feature," Verizon spokesman Albert Aydin told 9to5mac.  "Our 4G LTE tablets have the mobile hotspot feature and it is included in the tablet data plans."

"For example, customers who sign up for the $30 for 2GB plan will also have access to the mobile hotspot feature," he added.

AT&T, on the other hand, will not support the mobile feature, but did say they are working with Apple for future support.

“We are working with Apple to enable this feature in the future, but we currently do not offer it," AT&T said.

The iPad 3, which Apple is calling the "new iPad", was officially unveiled yesterday.  Confirmed iPad 3 features include a Retina display, 4G LTE, 5 megapixel camera, and 1080p video recording.  Apple also began pre-orders for the new iPad yesterday, although it won't release worldwide until March 16th.  Prices for the iPad 3 start at $499 for the 16GB model. Check out our full iPad 3 pricing breakdown here.

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