EXCLUSIVE: The three big carrier networks in Australia, Telstra, Optus & Vodafone, appear to have been dumped by Apple for the launch of the new iPad 2, despite networks in the USA and the UK being given the device to sell on the same day that Apple launched their new tablet.Instead all three carriers in Australia, are set to roll out data plans in an effort to capture Apple customers.
In the UK where the iPad goes on sale tonight, Orange will sell both the tablet and data plans. In the USA both AT&T and Verizon are selling the tablet. Yesterday Orange employees were seen unloading the new iPad 2 for display in their stores.
No explanation for the dumping of Australian carriers has been given by Apple, who was accused recently by Ruslan Kogan, the head of Kogan Technologies of being set to “dump” their retail partners in Australia.
All three carriers confirmed to SmartHouse that they will not be selling the iPad 2 but will continue sell the Apple iPhone 4. No explanation was given as to why Apple has dumped carriers as a retail outlet, despite Telstra, Optus and Vodafone being listed as official Apple retail partners.
The official Apple press release claimed that the new iPad 2, will be available at Apple retail stores and select Apple Authorised Resellers at 5 pm today which in most States is 60 minutes before most retail shops close, and via the Apple Store online, at 1 a.m.
The new iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and according to Apple, up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen.
The iPad 2 has a new dual-core A5 processor and two cameras, including a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth use and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video.
Apple said that the new iPad 2 delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.
In Australia, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available for a recommended retail price of $579 for the 16GB model, $689 for the 32GB model, $799 for the 64GB model.
iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for $729 for the 16GB model, $839 for the 32GB model and $949 for the 64GB model.
Apple at this stage have not returned our calls.
