Verizon Wireless announced Tuesday that it will offer the new iPad (which I'll call the iPad 3 even if Apple won't, as the new iPad just sounds silly to me) starting this Friday, March 16. Verizon Wireless will offer all models of iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G and will allow customers to connect to its 4G LTE network. Also, Verizon is supporting the Personal Hotspot feature of the new iPad, so users can share their network connection with up to 5 other devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.

The iPad 3 features a new Retina display, Apple’s A5X chip with quad-core graphics and a 5 megapixel camera and 1080p HD video. It also claims to deliver 10 hours of battery life, and can be used worldwide.

“Customers have been enthusiastic over the iPad on our 3G network and we expect even more excitement for the new iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network,” said Tami Erwin, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless.

Customers can buy the iPad 3 at Verizon Wireless stores and online at verizonwireless.com/ipad beginning Friday, March 16.

Matt Myftiu can be reached at matt.myftiu@oakpress.com.