Official Optus iPad plans announced

Hot off the heels of Telstra's iPad announcement, Optus have announced their own range of data plans for Apple's hot new device.

Optus is making a play for business users of the iPad 3G with microSIM ‘BYO mobile broadband plans’ – and adding a ‘cash back rebates’ of $100 to $300 on Apple’s slate.

Optus 'microSIM' plans for the iPad 3G kick off at $15 for 500MB, stretch to $130 for 14GB, with expiry periods ranging from 15 days to six months.

The nation's number two telco Optus has revealed a refresh of its iPad plans in preparation for this afternoon's 5PM Australian launch of the second version of Apple's flagship tablet.

Optus has finally officially announced via press release that it too will be officially offering the new iPad on a range of plans from March 16, and while it will start online sales from 12.01am, in store retail sales will have to wait until “regular trading hours”.

Optus has launched a new range of BYO Business Class Mobile Broadband plans with standard SIMs and Micro SIMs, which will compatible with Apple's new iPad.

Apple's decision to pioneer the use of the new micro-sim format in the iPad has enabled operators, such as Optus and Telstra, to launch iPad specific mobile data plans even through they are not selling iPads. But if you can get a better deal on another plan, you can simply hack the standard sim.

Optus will offer month-by-month 3G plans for the Apple iPad starting at $20 for 2GB, along with prepaid plans.

As expected, Optus joins Telstra, Vodafone and 3 as all Aussie 3G carriers offer a group hug to Apple’s delayed iPad.