This is the beginning of the beautiful friendship between Verizon and Apple.  Starting today Verizon is now, as of today, offering the wonderful Apple iPad at its red brick retail stores.  Verizon is selling the WiFi-only iPad bundled with the Verizon MiFi Mobile Hotspot.  The package includes a WiFi iPad and a Novatel MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, that gives you access to 3G speeds on Verizon’s data network.

Verizon is offering several different options for potential iPad customers.

• 16GB iPad Wi-Fi + MiFi for $629
• 32GB iPad Wi-Fi + MiFi for $729
• 64GB iPad Wi-Fi + MiFi for $829

• 16GB iPad Wi-Fi for $499
• 32GB iPad Wi-Fi for $599
• 64GB iPad Wi-Fi for $699

Just like AT&T, Verizon is offering data plans on a monthly basis.  Customers have four different data plans to choose from.

• 1GB for $20 a month
• 3GB for $35 a month
• 5GB for $50 a month
• 10GB for $80 a month

Most experts, including myself think this is the start of something big between Verizon and Apple.  Rumors have been rampant lately, over speculation that Apple might be releasing a CDMA based iPhone for use on Verizon. News outlets have been reporting that Verizon and Apple are getting ready to release the iPhone on Verizon network as early as January.  Still AT&T has exclusive rights the Apple iPhone as of now, but with launch of the iPad inside Verizon stores, it’s probably safe to say that the iPhone is just around the corner.

[via C/Net]