Telstra, Optus won't sell the iPad

The nation's biggest telcos Telstra and Optus have confirmed they won't directly sell the Apple iPad when it launches in Australia on 28 May, but will offer mobile broadband plans designed specifically for Apple's iconic tablet device.

Telstra will offer a prepaid SIM card specifically for the iPad for $30, which will include 1GB of data, with a further bonus of 2GB of data for customers that activate their Telstra iPad SIM by 30 June. The company noted the iPad could operate on the same 850MHz band as Telstra's Next G network.

Telstra plans(Screenshot of the Telstra email by Renai Lemay)

"Telstra's pricing for iPad 3G gives customers control and flexibility to access the internet on the go while connected to the Telstra Next G network," said Ross Fielding, executive director, Telstra Mobility Products. "Telstra is providing Australians the ability to enjoy 3G on iPad in more places than on any other network."

Optus this afternoon confirmed that it also wouldn't directly sell the iPad, but will offer a number of pre- and post-paid 3G mobile plans.

Optus plans(Screenshot of the Optus email by Renai Lemay)

The company has not yet released any further details or terms and conditions of the plans, but it said it would provide further information on the plans "soon".

Late on Friday night, Apple revealed it would start taking online Australian iPad pre-orders tomorrow (Monday, 10 May) in preparation for its Australian launch day of 28 May.

Apple said on Friday that the iPad models with Wi-Fi access will sell in Australia for a recommended retail price including GST of $629, $759 and $879 for the models with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB of storage space respectively. The 3G models will go for $799, $928 and $1049 for the models with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB of storage space respectively.