I generally like Verizon because of their great coverage.
But, I will literally only use 3G once in a while... like, when I'm on a road trip. I'll just go with AT&T if Verizon can't give a straight answer... because in their silence, they're basically saying, "Umm... yeah. There's gonna be a fee everytime you want to re-start your 3G coverage."
At least with AT&T, we know it's truly "pay-as-you-go."
The sad thing: I've seen SEVERAL Twitter users who did not ask quite what they wanted to know... and they took Verizon's veiled responses as fact.
One such instance:
genekend: @VZWSupport when will there be official information on the activation fees for ipad 2. Friday is close and I want answer before I buy one.
VZWSupport: @genekend Offering prepaid month-to-month 3G service opts paid w/credit or debit card. If u select one of these opts, no activation fee. *JB
genekend: @VZWSupport information on iPad activation fee was very helpful. Will be buying Verizon 3G iPad 2 tomorrow.
Notice that they're telling him that IF he signs up for a RECURRING PLAN, there's no activation fee. No mention for the person who just wants 3G once in a while. I'm not sure that's the answer he was looking for... which is why I asked it the way I did (I'm a former newspaper editor... words are my specialty.).
I guess we'll see how this plays out tomorrow... but what worries me is that I don't want to be looking up stuff while I'm trying to get the iPad 2 INTO MY CART on store.apple.com at 1 a.m. PST!!