Apple is going to release a Verizon compatible iPad.

Apple to Release Verizon-Compatible iPad Models - Mac Rumors

So one would have to buy a new iPad to connect to them?

Yea, they stated that about 30% of the new iPads will be CDMA Verizon iPads. I am currently trying to lay out my buying strategy for 2011.

Hum, go with a WiFi only iPad 2 and tether to the future iPhone 5 or keep my current phone and get a Verizon iPad 2.

I don't plan to buy gen 2 but we do use our 2 Wifi only Ipads with the mobile hot spot on the Palm Pre bought just after the Ipad came out. They offered the data plan free at that time. We've been fairly longtime Verizon users so were up for the 2 year upgrade so it was a quite cheap way to go. That's the reason we opted for the wifi versions. Next purchase we will likely choose the 4G version with Verizon but that's still a year and half away when our contracts are up. Doubt we buy an Iphone since i carry the Ipad all the time and can do with fairly basic phone. I'd say decide if you will have Ipad with you all the time or rely on your phone for a lot of data. In that casr I'd probably choose wifi and use mobile hot spot but it wouod depend upon the restrictiions of the data plan for each.

From what I read in the Verizon statement today, their IPhone will be able to function as a wifi hotspot for up to 5 devices.

Originally Posted by SBHOKC

From what I read in the Verizon statement today, their IPhone will be able to function as a wifi hotspot for up to 5 devices.

Indeed.

Originally Posted by NightHawk

So one would have to buy a new iPad to connect to them?

Not necessarilly. One could connect any existing iPad using a Verizon smartphone via tethering, or using Verizon's mifi.

In addition to these options, Verizon recently showed off it's new 4G LTE mifi at CES.

With 4G WiMax already here and 4G LTE right around the corner, one could save the $130 (the current price difference for a GSM 3G equipped iPad), and apply it toward a 4G mobile hotspot/mifi, instead.

Verizon Wireless is launching iPad 2 this year with unlimited data connectivity. It will soon come with CDMA 3G and WIFI.

Originally Posted by JohnMorris

Verizon Wireless is launching iPad 2 this year with unlimited data connectivity. It will soon come with CDMA 3G and WIFI.

Source?

It is NOT a Varizon Special iPAD
It is a special iPAD 3G for CDMA . There are still some other old / Primitive Cellular providers in the world that are still using CDMA, that needs that type of technology on the iPAD besides Varizon.