It looks like the next-gen iPad Apple announces today, the iPad 3 or iPad HD or whatever they name it, may well have support for LTE data networks. If so, this will offer a huge speed boost, and depending on the pricing for data plans this would become a very attractive option for those who want always-on connectivity for their iPad.

Latest reports and rumors say the new iPad will get LTE support and that there will be models for both AT&T and Verizon here in the US. If you’re trying to weigh up which carrier would be better to go with if LTE is confirmed, I’d suggest taking a look at this good article by Steven Sande at TUAW. The piece looks at a number of ways to compare the two carrier’s LTE networks, from local and national coverage to network speeds.

My main concern in this area is local coverage here in Austin. I looked at the coverage maps for AT&T and Verizon and AT&T looks very solid –as you can see in the screencap above. I found their maps much easier to work with than Verizon’s too. I’ve been with AT&T on both iPhone and iPad for years, so I’ll very likely be sticking with them for whichever data plans are available for the iPad 3 / HD.

Here are the AT&T and Verizon coverage map pages.

If LTE is confirmed, will you be looking to get an LTE model?