Telstra iPad microSIM datapack release dates
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 1:51PM 
Seems like everyone is chomping at the bit to grab a new microSIM and datapack to go with the shiny new iPads expected for delivery on Friday. Telstra and Optus have each come out with pre-paid plans. Vodafone is still yet to announce. My money will go to Telstra for my iPad - the first time ever for me on a mobile device - as they are the best all round value. (I NEVER thought I'd say something like that). Telstra announced 3 cap plans of $20/1Gb, $30/3Gb and $60/6Gb - each with an expiry of 30 days. The NextG network is one of, if not THE best mobile data network in the world, and certainly the clear winner in Australia. Don't get me started on my miserable iPhone 3G experience with Optus! I suppose the only downside to these plans is the 30 day expiry of the credit, but some are reporting that unused data can roll over to a subsequent month if you recharge within the 30 day period...so far I've been unable to confirm this. Looks like Telstra finally may have the right idea and its clear they are going to attract a lot of new customers this week. Here's hoping they recognise the success of a modestly priced pre-paid data service and implement plans of similar good value on their NextG compatible mobile phones and 3G Modems.
Back to the microSIMs. APCMag reported yesterday that Telstra stores were going to sell them as of today (25 May) and Optus following tomorrow, but it's not looking like all of the Telstra stores got the memo - or the stock(!). A search of Twitter reveals lots of eager consumers wanting to be as prepared as possible ahead of the arrival of the new toys productivity devices later in the week. A few folks have had some success in securing microSIMs, but mostly there's disappointment. We still have a couple of days to grab them before d-day and I'm hopeful I can secure one tomorrow so as to not get trampled in stampedes on Friday.
Incidentally, my iPad is still showing as 'Prepared for shipment'... pah. A few more days. What's been your experience?
galoomp
I've now found a couple of Telstra stores locally that are selling the packs. I'll be heading out first thing tomorrow to grab one.
galoomp
Still no movement on the shipping status of my order, but there's an active thread of excited iPad soon-to-be-iPad-owners over on the Mactalk forums.
The biggest development this morning has been that both Vodafone and 3 have each announced their own iPad data plans. Vodafone even has an UNLIMITED offering for $49.95 per month as well as some prepaid options with extended expiry periods.
Seems the competition is heating up. iPad customers in Australia have a fantastic range of choices and the best part is given that they are all pre-paid, non-contract options, we can all pick and choose and sample each telcos 3G products to see what suits us best.