What will happen if AT&T can't handle the 3G iPad?

[mossme89]

There are many concerns that AT&T might not be able to handle the 3G ipad. I was just reading that the reason they haven't supported tethering yet is because they can't handle the extra bandwidth. My question is, what if they can't handle the 3G ipad? What would happen? I thought up 2 scenarios:

1. AT&T jacks up the price to something like $30 and $45 a month, infuriates apple & it's users, as a result, next gen Apple products might be on Verizon, with a possible discontinuation of AT&T products, or little attention paid to them. AT&T falls behind competitors, having blown it's iPhone exclusivity and Apple's trust.
2. They work on trying to upgrade their network, knowing that this is their last chance to stay ahead or even in line with the industry, and try to keep Apple from switching to the much more capable Verizon network. Major chokes on 3g, but gets better long term

I think #2 seems more likely, but from what I've seen in the past, #1 is definetly possible too. What do you think?

And as for network chokes, from what you've noticed, are they worst in cities? I live in a suburban area with not a lot of Apple users. Think I'll be okay?

 

[illutionz]

There are many concerns that AT&T might not be able to handle the 3G ipad. I was just reading that the reason they haven't supported tethering yet is because they can't handle the extra bandwidth. My question is, what if they can't handle the 3G ipad? What would happen? I thought up 2 scenarios:

1. AT&T jacks up the price to something like $30 and $45 a month, infuriates apple & it's users, as a result, next gen Apple products might be on Verizon, with a possible discontinuation of AT&T products, or little attention paid to them. AT&T falls behind competitors, having blown it's iPhone exclusivity and Apple's trust.
2. They work on trying to upgrade their network, knowing that this is their last chance to stay ahead or even in line with the industry, and try to keep Apple from switching to the much more capable Verizon network. Major chokes on 3g, but gets better long term

I think #2 seems more likely, but from what I've seen in the past, #1 is definetly possible too. What do you think?

And as for network chokes, from what you've noticed, are they worst in cities? I live in a suburban area with not a lot of Apple users. Think I'll be okay?

If #1 happens, then I will have to import GSM compatible Apple mobile device from international market as I will only use CDMA when someone points a shotgun to my chest.

 

[Stealthipad]

Instead of letting the price go up, they will watch the network just slow down. They are under agreement with Apple for now and have to maintain this price. The iPhone cause bandwidth problems as will the iPad.

I just hope that people will get off 3G if they have wifi available but many will try to stay on 3G to make sure they get their money's worth! LOL!

ATT has fixed this and due to the lack of wifi speed and other restrictions, people will stay off 3G more. I am finding the 3G to be great out in the field but not as fast to say the least!

ATT is in the middle of building up it's system and I can already see improvement in Jacksonville.

Verizon is about the only other carrier that could handle some of this and they would feel the strain on their bandwidth as well. Tmo, well they are a joke, period. No one I know who depends on their phone for business uses Tmo.

ATT will do fine as long as people do not expect wifi speeds on 3G.

 

[DemonBob]

If #1 happens, then I will have to import GSM compatible Apple mobile device from international market as I will only use CDMA when someone points a shotgun to my chest.

Ditto, we'll have to point ours at each other.

 

[Travisimo]

You have to look at the big picture:

Right now, there are many MILLIONS of iPhones on AT&T's network consuming data every day.

Most estimates put the WIFI iPad at close to 1 million units sold. None of those units strain AT&T's network at all.

How many iPad 3G's do you think they've sold? A few hundred thousand at most right now. Even if the iPad 3G consumes 3-4 times the data as the iPhone, you're still talking small potatoes compared to the millions of iPhones out there.

So until the 3G version of the iPad becomes even a fraction as ubiquitous as the iPhone, I don't think it's going to strain AT&T's network for the foreseeable future.

 

[barefeats]

AT&T has to beef up their network and upgrade it to 4G (LTE) if they expect to keep their exclusive with Apple.

Also, since Verizon has chosen LTE, it's likely that a 4G (LTE) iPhone could work on both Verizon and AT&T.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

There are many concerns that AT&T might not be able to handle the 3G ipad. I was just reading that the reason they haven't supported tethering yet is because they can't handle the extra bandwidth. My question is, what if they can't handle the 3G ipad? What would happen? I thought up 2 scenarios:

If they could not handle the 3G iPad Apple would have gone to another carrier like T-Mobile. It may be the reason why it's no contact. Most 3G users will not constantly be on 3G like w/ the iPhone thus a much less burden on the network.

People have just got to stop fantasizing that there will ever be a CDMA iPhone or iPad. Not. Going. To. Happen. Ever.