I’m psyched for the iPad probably getting a 3G model and already an ATT customer so I don’t really care about what I am about to suggest …
It occured to me in one of the many conversations about the iPad today that while the device is being sold and marketed as unlocked, it really doesn’t even matter. With the new microSIM format you need to find a carrier that also offers this new sim card or you can’t use it. The illusion of choice, end of story.
AT&T can afford to offer a very competitive rate on the data because there’s no other option. It’s actually pretty brilliant marketing for both Apple and their pending carrier partners.