3G iPad settings

[Silver472]

hi, forum. I just want to know if the 3G plan settings will be enabled on the iPad even if the SIM card isn't connected on the device. I mean, if it's unlocked, the options for buying a plan should only be available with the AT&T SIM card.

Let's say this setting will always appear even without the AT&T SIM, but I would want to use the iPad with another carrier. then I'll have to negociate the plan with the carrier but I won't be able to cancel it from the iPad, right? the settings for AT&T will always appear even with another SIM card or without a SIM card? can I still use another carrier even with these settings appearing?

thank you very much.

 

[avaloncourt]

The iPad is unlocked and comes with an AT&T SIM (in the US). You would take the SIM out and provide your own activated SIM. Your major problem would be that the iPad uses a microSIM. Right now the iPad is the major consumer of the microSIMs. You may have issues finding another carrier that had them and willing to provide them for a data-only device.

 

[Silver472]

microsim isn't the problem. I just want to know if I take off the sim card then I'd have to make a deal with another carrier with no problems but the options for selecting an AT&T plan would still be available on iPad even without the SIM card and even by signing a plan of another carrier, right? I mean, if I don't want AT&T I can just make a deal with another carrier right? If I want AT&T I just put the SIM card and sign a plan? do I need to be a resident in the US to buy the iPad with 3G?

thank you very much for the help.

 

[avaloncourt]

At the annoucement Jobs said it's unlocked. If you are in Europe with a provider with MicroSIMs willing to provide an activated SIM for data-only purposes, go for it. There are probably a lot of people who would appreciate you saying who you are using as a provider. There are people who would love to be able to go to Europe and buy a SIM for iPad purposes.

If you're buying it here you don't have to provide any proof of residency. There's no contract involved. You walk in and buy it (if you're lucky enough for them to have one available).

In the US T-Mobile will probably eventually provide microSIMs but their plan pricing may not meet AT&Ts. The AT&T service is on-demand. The iPad is not tied to AT&T permanently in any way. This is an AT&T pay as you go plan with no form of contract.

 

[Silver472]

so u mean I can just go to an Apple Store and buy it, and then I can make a deal with a carrier in my country and then the 3G internet will be available? of course I won't be able to manage my plan like the AT&T, but the internet will work, right? btw, does the iPad support EDGE when there's no 3G?

thank you very much.

 

[goobot]

the settings part is only for the official carrier

 

[avaloncourt]

so u mean I can just go to an Apple Store and buy it,

The 3G version is not available until "late April." No US release date has been announced but, since non-US availability seems to be tied to April 24, it would seem obvious that the US release date would be on or before April 24.

and then I can make a deal with a carrier in my country and then the 3G internet will be available?

As long as they have microSIMs available and are willing to provide you an activated microSIM for data use only, yes. The number of carriers handling a microSIM is quite small.

of course I won't be able to manage my plan like the AT&T, but the internet will work, right?

The 3G iPad is not carrier locked. It was stated specifically at the iPad announcement that this is an unlocked device and not specifically bound to any carrier. US iPads are provided with an AT&T microSIM but it's a Pay As You Go plan. There is no contract relationship with AT&T and service may be activated or terminated at any time.

btw, does the iPad support EDGE when there's no 3G?

thank you very much.

Yes, as with any iPhone the 3G iPad will support EDGE and 3G. Information on that is listed on the specifications on the Apple website.

 

[Silver472]

Thank you very much! it's because I think I'll buy the iPad on the US because I think that on my country it will be really expensive, but with these answers I guess that there's no problem on buying it at the US, since the iPad is unlocked and it supports any micro sim from any carrier, and I don't need to be a resident, so I think I won't have problems with it here in my country.

btw, do you recommend cutting a SIM card so it has the same size as a micro SIM?

thanks again.

 

[avaloncourt]

I don't need to be a resident, so I think I won't have problems with it here in my country.

You do not need to be a resident. As this is a non-contract device you will be able to go to any store that has them available to purchase. Depending on how close your purchase attempt is to the release date may affect your success. You may be in a non-reserved line and not have success getting one.

btw, do you recommend cutting a SIM card so it has the same size as a micro SIM?

thanks again.

You'll need to do some research on your desired carrier. Some full-sized SIM cards are now being made with security electrical paths out to the edges. Cutting those circuit paths renders the card useless. Make sure your decided SIM type is not one of these protected cards.