A while back we heard rumors that the iPad 2 would come with dualmode configuration that would allow for the tablet to run on both AT&T and Verizon's networks. The same would probably carry over to future models of the iPhone. Actually, rumors were kind of mixed.
Well now that the iPad 2 is official, we can know what exactly is going on, and the reality may not be as convenient as we'd hoped. The CDMA/GSM chipset is not happening this time around, as it seems that the iPad 2 3G is coming in two separate models one for AT&T's GSM network and another for Verizon's CDMA powered network.
It's shown through the tech specs on Apple's website under the device's weight and 3G section. The AT&T model will weigh 1.35 pounds, and the Verizon model will weigh 1.34 pounds. The difference in weight is insignificant, but this contradicts all the past rumors we heard of the iPad being compatible across both carriers with a single dualmode chipset.
From Apple: "If you decide on an iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G, be sure to select the model that corresponds with the carrier you’d like to use for 3G service. The iPad model you purchase is specially configured to work with either AT&T or Verizon — not both. So while you don’t have to activate 3G service right away, you should choose your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G according to the carrier you prefer."
This means that you will have to make sure that you pick up the iPad model that corresponds to your carrier, if you'd like 3G service. As Apple's statement says above "You won't be able to switch as the iPad model you purchase is specially configured to work with either AT&T or Verizon — not both."
A minor inconvenience if anything, but it's worth keeping an eye on for those who are making the upgrade or purchasing the new tablet altogether.
That said, which iPad model do you think you will be getting? Are you sticking with AT&T's network? Or going with Verizon? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Will the 3G versions be locked to a provider?
Yes they will have a chipset built in, just like the phones, that will only work on that specific carrier.
Will the Verizon version prohibit surfing while talking on the phone? If true, that will be one reason I may stay with AT&T. Otherwise Verison has better coverage in Manhattan.
Folks, please read and understand the article. Different chipsets for different networks. Same as the phone. Same restrictions. An iPad is not a phone either, Facetime is Wi-Fi only, basically. So you can multitask on wi-fi programs no problem. Verizon is the way to go for iPad, hands down. For the phone, that’s your call. I’m Verizon, and I love it.
@Armen The Verizon version cannot do voice and data at the same time. That’s just the limits of the CDMA network.
Thank you for the response. So to Skype and Surf simultaneously I’ll have to buy the AT&T version?
Could smart tech guy comment on the pricing plans comparing ATT and Verizon? They’re not the same, so aside from network coverage, it will make a difference. I think ATT charges $25 for 2 gb, while Verizon wants $60 for 5gb. I’m not sure, but I think you can buy additional gb’s from ATT for $10 each. So wouldn’t it be better to go with ATT when you don’t know in advance if you’ll need 5 gb? Again, this is ASIDE from coverage areas. Would someone comment?
The iPad is NOT a telephone. You can use Skype, because Skype uses data, not phone. There will be functionally NO difference between the iPad on Verizon and AT&T other than that Verizons data is way slower.
The devices are NOT locked. They aren’t locked in any way. The Verizon one is CDMA, a less common network type. So, if you’re looking to travel overseas and want to swap data SIMs, the AT&T model is a no brainer.
You need to have unlocked ATT phone in orde to swap SIM card, unlocked ATT phones available for sale from apple.
the GSM iPad version 1 was NOT locked. it probably won’t be this time around either.
Will apple be selling ipad2 for Verizon next week?also if I jailbreak my iphone4 from Verizon can it run my ipad2? Thanks new to the iworld
I think the AT&T model is the better choice – if you ever travel abroad it will have greater ability to provide wireless data through the International Data options. Few countries have the CDMA that Verizon uses. Also, Verizon devices tend to use battery life at a faster rate than AT&T – not sure if this will apply to the iPad but it just might. I’ve found that even though AT&T’s voice network is problematic, the data network is quite reliable.
Great article. What do you guys think about the old version of the iPad + 3G and Verizon MiFi? Does it work well and is it worth it? Since the chipset will be different, my assumption is a microSIM card won’t be available for old iPad users for Verizon.
I would be interested in some feedback. I am thinking of upgrading my verizon phone to an IPhone, but buying an ATT Ipad. This way, I can use the wireless network at home with the Ipad; use the Iphone when traveling about the US since the data package is $30/month for unlimited use; and finally, pay for a month of data use for the Ipad when traveling abroad. Make sense or am I missing something?
You can’t use an iPad as a phone anyway….
thanks for validating – that’s exactly why I’m leaning towards ATT; ie so that I can use the iPad abroad!
Ruth, I agree with you. I was thinking of doing the same thing. I have the mi-fi with Verizon on my Droid now and I think it is OK at best. On the chance that I want to make a switch to AT&T which I am considering, getting the ipad with AT&T might be the safest way for me to go right now.
If you want faster speeds for video and such, but less coverage go with AT&T, If you want more coverage, but slower speeds go with Verizon.
Also you should be able to jailbreak the ipad 2 not long after it’s release and get an app to turn it into a wifi hotspot for your other devices.
James..yes you can use the Ipad as an Iphone. There is an app called VOIP that allows you to call out for free, but in order to recieve calls it’s 9.99/mo. I’ve had to fall back on my Ipad as a phone because my Iphone died and had no charger. By the way…it works very well.
While I have been with AT&T since the iphone and ipad were introduced I am jumping ship with the ipad to Verizon, soley based on one factor. Coverage area in the US. When I travel it is vitally important that I have coverage and coverage under AT&T has been disappointing at best.
Why do you think the Verizon is the way to go with the iPad? I am Verizon iPhone but wasn’t sure which 3G would work best with the iPad. I live in New York on Long Island. Here, the Verizon phone service is much better, but the 3G network is slower.
NOT WORTH IT, you can not go month by month with Verizon MiFi and if you cancel you pay cancellation fees.
We forgot to mentions that one of the reasons to go with ATT is that you can get Internet internationally on 3G, since ATT iPAD is GSM.
Verizon says that if you have their 4G Mobile Hotspot, you can connect an iPad2 configured for AT&T to it with no problem.
A bit off the subject but: I got a AT&T iPad. My wife has a phone with a Verizon plan. Will there be a conflict in functionality?
There is something wrong here. Why design a device that locks you into one carrier or another? This is unfair to the consumer who may unknowingly buy a model that does not belong to their current carrier. This means if a buy an AT&T iPad 2, I can’t swith my carrier because I have been locked into AT&T by Apple.
Apple needs to make some adjustments.
You are right, but this limitation because of the chipset. Future iPad will have one version only, like iPhone 4s
if you choose the verizon model you can buy a data plan one month at a time and turn it off when you do not want it but if you go to att then you pay every month whether you want to or not so the commitment is greater the service is nearly the same