Samsung Galaxy Tab Reportedly Coming to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint
We're still waiting for the first, true Android tablet to compete with the Apple iPad. By all accounts, the Samsung Galaxy Tab may be that tablet, and unlike the iPad, it will be available on multiple networks.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that three different carriers, which will offer 3G data plans for and subsidize the cost of the Galaxy Tab , will have Samsung's tablet on sale: Verizon, AT&T and Sprint.
While it's common for manufacturers to have an exclusive relationship (just look at the last few years with the iPhone and AT&T), it makes sense for Samsung to be on multiple networks. It's not likely that people will change carriers just for a tablet (only the iPad seems to have that kind of power), and offering the Galaxy Tab through multiple providers increases the customer base. Samsung already used the strategy with the Galaxy S smartphone, which is found at all four major networks.
Samsung has scheduled a press event on September 16, and the Wall Street Journal says that is where the pricing and carriers will be announced for the Galaxy Tab. Until then, both details remain a mystery. One of the biggest questions is if the Galaxy Tab, which has cellphone capabilities, will be able to use data and minutes from existing accounts or if it will require a completely separate contract for full price.
