Cut-price iPads “To Be Launched In The UK” [Updated]

Updates at the foot of the post.

Everything Everywhere, the joint-venture between UK mobile operators Orange and T-Mobile, is set to announce a new deal for its customers whereby it will offer iPad tablets for a fraction of the cost by way of long-term subsidised contracts.

Marketing Week reports that the companies will sell the Apple tablets from its online shops and retail stores, it is expected that the two operators will offer iPad’s for as little as £200 when coupled with a 18-month or 24-month contract.

It’s an initiative that retailers championed when Samsung’s Galaxy Tab launched, a tablet that actually came in more expensive that its larger and more established iPad rival. Retailers were offering commitment free monthly plans for the device with operators heavily subsiding the device in time for the Christmas period with the expectation that tablet devices would be this years must have gifts.

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A formal announcement is expected to be made later today, the first time the iPad has been offered on a subsidised contract in the UK.

As always, we will keep you updated with pricing and availability.

Update: Orange has confirmed that it will be offering the iPad at “more affordable prices” when the device is purchased with a data plan:

Orange UK today announced it will offer new purchase options for iPad users, including more affordable prices when purchased with a data service plan, for iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G models in the coming months. iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface.