Thoughts About Voice, Media & Data Tariffs For The Apple Tablet

There are chances that Apple would be releasing a tablet computer without any contracts or subscriptions but, just as for unlocked iPhones, sales are likely to be significantly less than if it was subsidised with some sort of data and media bundle (voice optional).

The tablet has already been hailed as a potential platform for books, newspapers, movies and other content and it would be disappointing if Apple doesn't come up with a Spotify-like solution (based on Lala's technology) to accompany the launch of the Tablet in the next few hours.

Subscriptions would bring certainty to Apple plans and would convince media partners that they would be getting a regular and growing revenue stream.

And perhaps most importantly, it would give them more leeway and ways to differentiate themselves from each other while slashing distribution costs. This was part of our 2010 predictions for Apple back in December 2010.

Just like mobile phones with voice, data, text and MMS bundles or TV channels, expect the iPad, iSlate or TabletMac to have similar bundles as soon as Apple iSlate goes on sale.

Customers would be allowed to subscribe to one particular item, for example the New York Times, or buy a bundle across either across publishers (e.g. IDG) or themes (e.g. Parenting); and that's only a start.