iPad to be subsidised in Europe

The Apple iPad will be subsidised in Europe by mobile operators Orange and T-Mobile, in a bid to boost the postpaid user base.

The move is being driven by France Telecom/Orange in France and Everything Everywhere – the joint venture between Orange and T-Mobile in the UK, pitching the iPad at ‘’more affordable prices when purchased with a data service plan’’.

The device will go on sale in December in Orange stores in Europe from €279 when purchased with a subscription to mobile service, which is likely to be in excess of two years. An unsubsidised iPad starts at around €499.