iPad owners warned about iShock

Use pre-paid data plans for at least three months, consumers told.

Apple iPad owners are being encouraged to sign up to pre-paid data plans to avoid being stung with the big bills experienced by iPhone early adopters.

The Australian Communication Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) urged iPad customers to "steer well clear of post-paid plans until they get used to the new devices."

"To avoid getting an ‘iShock’, we’re strongly advising consumers opt for a pre-paid plan for at least the first three months until they get a feel for how much data they’re using," ACCAN's director of policy Elissa Freeman said.

“Anyone using a 3G iPad on a post-paid plan essentially has access to a loaded gun of credit.

"While you’re absorbed in checking out what your iPad can do, you’re in danger of going over your data usage limit and facing a huge bill.”

Telstra and Optus have both announced pre-paid plans for the device, according to ACCAN, which also said Vodafone/3 were expected to offer a pre-paid option.

The first iPads officially hit Australian shores late this week.

ACCAN's warning came less than a fortnight after South Australian MP Russell Wortley was hit with a $10,000 bill for his taxpayer-funded iPhone.