Apple to pay $40 to iPad 3G owners shut out of all-you-can-eat data plans

Apple and AT&T are set to resolve a long-running class action suit over the companies’ decision in June, 2010 to end unlimited data plans for the iPad 3G tablet.

In a ruling issued in San Jose (CA), US District Judge Ronald Whyte signed off on a plan that will see Apple pay $40 to everyone in the US who bought or ordered an iPad 3G before June 7, 2010. In addition, those who did not sign up with AT&T will get a $20/month discount on the carrier’s 5GB monthly plan for up to a year. Under the deal, which is set to receive final approval in February, Apple will attempt to contact everyone who is eligible, and will send them a $40 check.