Apple Reveals iPad Data Plan Tools

Apple has revealed more details about how iPad owners can manage and monitor their 3G data plans directly from the device. Under Settings -> Cellular Data, the plan can be initiated without a contract at any time.

Presumably you'll need to be connected over Wi-Fi to select your 3G data plan and process a credit card number. Once the plan has been purchased, the iPad will monitor your usage and give you an alert automatically when only 20 percent, 10 percent, and no data bandwidth is remaining.

No more worrying about running over your 250MB $14.99/month plan. Dates are listed to let users know when the next month will be billed, and the plan can easily be canceled or upgraded to an unlimited $29.99/month plan.

Users also have the option of restarting a 250MB plan by purchasing another 250MB if their bandwidth runs out before the end of the current billed month. The Cellular Data settings include options to add an international data plan and the app accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Amex.

The iPad Wi-Fi + 3G supports 3G speeds up to 7.2 Mbps and will automatically switch to Wi-Fi when it becomes available. More information can be found on Apple's iPad 3G page.