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iPad in non ATT service area

J

Jaker999

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 6, 2010
13
0
Hi! First time poster here! I am a college student extremely interested in the iPad. Just held and played with one today for the first time! :D But, I am interested in the 3G model on account of when I work this summer, I want to be able to have internet accessibility. The problem I have been wondering about, is where I currently go to college ATT is currently NOT in the area... They have none of their own towers, they bum off of other towers (possibly Altel towers???). So I am just wondering if the iPad will even WORK without any ATT towers since the iPad is "3G." Back home and where I work, it is not 3G but there are ATT towers so I know it will work..I currently do not have an iPhone on account of being a Verizon customer, but I love my blackberry and always said I just wanted the features of the iPhone without the cell phone,, maybe the iPad is just what I'm looking for. If ANYone has ANY input or knowing of ATT and their towers it would help tremendously!
 
I'd imagine it's just like the 3G iPhone... it will go onto Edge when 3G is not available since it uses a GSM SIM card. Although I'm certain you'd have to be on AT&T - since there's no monthly billing, other carriers couldn't charge you for "data roaming." But Edge on the iPad would be awful (in my opinion). I think if you're in a non-AT&T area your only hope would be wifi. Hope this helps-
 
Ya it comes unlocked but only compatible with AT&T 3G so you could use edge but it would be like dial up in the good ol days or you can wait and hope verizon comes out with one
 
bsblvnv said:
Ya it comes unlocked but only compatible with AT&T 3G so you could use edge but it would be like dial up in the good ol days or you can wait and hope verizon comes out with one
Click to expand...

If it is unlocked then how can it only be compatible with AT&T?
 
I'm in a similar situation as you, I live in South Dakota where AT&T does not SELL service, but they do have it via other company's towers.

The iPad will just use the local EDGE service, assuming there are GSM towers available in your area that AT&T buys time on. I would check AT&T's coverage map just to make sure, as long as they have you covered under "partner", it'll work.

That being said, it won't be great, EDGE service, especially in ruralish areas is incredibly slow.

Also, what would normally happen in an area where AT&T does not sell service is that you service would be cut off, but since you'll be pre-paid and not on contract, you should be fine.

Another option you could consider as well, is just buying service from the locals. Odds are you have some kind of MVNO where you live. Mine, LongLines wireless sells unlimited data service for $20/mo.
 
OTOH, I'd get the Wifi version and a phone that lets you tether. No need for 3G.
 
Type121 said:
Who else uses GSM in the US?
Click to expand...

There are a few others, mostly in rural areas. Unicel owns a ton, Alltel has some as well, but as far as I know only sells service to MVNOs.

There is GSM service covering a ton of America, its just not all T-Mobile and AT&T, like I said, alot of it is MVNOs, like Boost, or Criket wireless, etc.

Either way, I'd recommend just picking up the WiFi version of the iPad OP.
 
No extra fees, just crappy service.

Like I said, if you were on contract AT&T would simply cancel your account if you spent all your time in a partner area, but since you'll be using prepaid, you shouldn't have any troubles.
 
Just talked to an Apple Employee in Best Buy about 3G and the iPad in non ATT areas... Bad news, he said the iPad 3G will not work
 
Last edited:
jessica. said:
If it is unlocked then how can it only be compatible with AT&T?
Click to expand...

Because there are only like 8 carriers in the whole world who uses Micro SIM (What iPad uses)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro-SIM

Yes T-Mobile is there but they only use the Micro SIM for some M2M GPS device collaborated with other company ;)

Yes, technically it's "unlocked" and compatible with any UMTS/HSDPA network, but the fact that it's using Micro SIM just kinda limit the compatibility
 
Where I live in Michigan, the At&t map and a CS person, I once thought about getting an iPhone, had terrible phone service but rather good data service. Weird how it works like that.
 
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