Optus revamps plans for iPad 2 launch

The nation’s number two telco Optus this afternoon confirmed plans to bust open the doors of the love nest created this week by Telstra and Motorola, confirming plans to launch the US mobile giant’s Xoom Android tablet on its own network just a month after the device goes on sale with Telstra.

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

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.

The nation's number two telco Optus has achieved one of its first exclusives with Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC, unveiling plans to exclusively launch the company's Incredible S handset on its mobile network from the 1st of May -- although pricing for the device has yet to be released.

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.

Optus today confirmed its range of data plans for micro-sim devices, including the iPad.

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

The SA-based ISP becomes Australia’s 3G telco reseller to offer iPad-friendly microSIM plans, starting at $15 per month for 500MB on the Optus network.

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.