IPad 2 -- will Verizon have an activation fee each time the data package is started?

Question

I have an AT&T iPhone.  Now with the iPad 2 coming out Friday, I was intending on getting the Verizon 3G version of the iPad 2.  However, it is clear that AT&T's data plan is superior since there is no activation fee and the data package can be turned on and off at will.  I also was going to go with the Verizon iPad 2 because Verizon's coverage through the Siskyou Mountains between Eugene OR and Redding CA is considerably better than AT&T on the I-5 corridor.
I signed up for Verizon emails about a week ago and have yet to receive a single email regarding their intentions for the iPad 2 costs.  So we are certainly in the dark.
I'll line up at the Apple Store on Friday.  If Verizon has an activation fee for the data package, I'll get the AT&T iPad 2.  If not, then I'll get the Verizon iPad 2.

Answer 1

Not only is their website vague, their employees have no clue about the activation fee either.  I called yesterday and the guy I talked with told me that yes, there would be a $35 activation fee every time you signed up if you remained inactive for 3 months or more.  He also said that AT&T has a $36 activation.  (ovbiously that is wrong.)  So I called back today and the woman said that there would be a $35 activation fee PLUS there would be a $15 suspension fee every time I de-activated.  I repeated several times that this is JUST for the IPad and only the 3g service.  I asked to be transferred to another associate who told me exactly the same thing.  So I asked that associate if she could check her computer and tell me exactly what it said about IPad service.  What she said was that if you pre-pay with a credit or debit card, there would be no activation fee.  Now THAT's more like it.  Just to be safe, though, I called my local Verizon store.  The woman there also thought that there was an activation fee so I told her what the last lady had said.  She searched and searched - she even told me that her computer showed there was a $25 activation fee for pre-paid.  She was very nice, though, and took my name and number and is looking into the matter and will call me back.  I will post again once I hear from her.  I hope someone at Verizon monitors these posts and will get accurate info out to their associates!