New iPad, Old Carrier: Apple Sticks With AT&T

A small groan rippled through the audience at the Apple event this morning as Steve Jobs announced that the device’s carrier will be AT&T (T) — at least initially.

There will be two iPad models–one with Wi-Fi-only and one with Wi-Fi and 3G. The 3G device will come with two plans: 250 megabytes per month for $14.99, and unlimited data for $29.99.

The Wi-Fi-equipped devices will ship within 60 days, the 3G within 90 days. The 3G models are unlocked and they use new GSM micro SIMS. So chances are they’ll just work, quipped Jobs. He added that Apple (AAPL) hasn’t made any deals with international carriers.

Jobs made a point of noting that there are no contracts for the iPad–users may cancel at any time.

And what of Verizon (VZ) Wireless, the carrier pundits were convinced would be supporting both the iPad, and, eventually, the iPhone? Not a mention.