? about iPad and 3G data plan necessity

[disneysteve]

If you get a 3G-capable iPad, as opposed to just the Wifi model, do you have to sign up for a data plan? Is it possible to get it, just use it in Wifi mode and then add on the 3G service later if you find you really need it? Is there any way to only add 3G when you know you will be using it and avoid the recurring monthly fee?

We already have 2 iPhones and an iPod touch. What's the deal with tethering? Is there any way we could save money overall and not have to pay the access fee for all of the devices?

 

[mikelan6]

From what I understand, there is no contract for the 3G portion, you just pay for any month you use it.

I have the wifi only iPad2 and I'm fine with it. There are lots of places with free or paid wifi.

 

[Willow1213]

You can activate the iPad data plan at any time, it is not a requirement. You can also turn it off at any time. You basically prepay in 30 day chunks at you choice of $15/$25.

As far as tethering is concerned, if you have An iPhone 3GS or 4 you can purchase mobile hotspot for the phone. Your phone data plan would change to $45 for 4GB of data shared between your phone and any devices connected to the hotspot.

Personally, I would just put the data plan on the iPad when needed. Unless... If you have not purchased the iPad yet, mobile hotspot could save you the price difference between the wifi and 3G model.

 

[k5jm]

FWIW, the Ipad 2 is sold "Carrier Unlocked." This means, that if you wanted, you could use a T-mobile micro-sim and use a T-mobile data plan.

 

[sayhello]

FWIW, the Ipad 2 is sold "Carrier Unlocked." This means, that if you wanted, you could use a T-mobile micro-sim and use a T-mobile data plan.

English, please?

Sayhello

 

[disneysteve]

You can activate the iPad data plan at any time, it is not a requirement. You can also turn it off at any time. You basically prepay in 30 day chunks at you choice of $15/$25.

Very interesting. Knowing that, there's no way I would buy a Wifi only model. I realize they are cheaper but why not have the option to go 3G if you want to? You can't use Wifi in the car and we travel a lot (like driving from NJ to Disney every year). Many nicer hotels charge for Wifi. That could be $12/day. You could just pay $15 that month and get 3G service. If we take the iPad plunge, we will definitely get the 3G version. Thanks.

FWIW, the Ipad 2 is sold "Carrier Unlocked." This means, that if you wanted, you could use a T-mobile micro-sim and use a T-mobile data plan.

Interesting. I wonder why they did that? Do any of the other carriers have a cheaper data plan than AT&T (either less money or more bandwith for the same money)?

 

[disneysteve]

FWIW, the Ipad 2 is sold "Carrier Unlocked." This means, that if you wanted, you could use a T-mobile micro-sim and use a T-mobile data plan.

I was browsing iPads at MacMall and it says that the iPads are configured to work with either AT&T or Verizon's networks, but not both. That seems to go against what you are saying here.

 

[k5jm]

I was browsing iPads at MacMall and it says that the iPads are configured to work with either AT&T or Verizon's networks, but not both. That seems to go against what you are saying here.

The GSM Ipad 2's are not Carrier specific. They have a Generic radio in them, not a radio with ATT specific firmware. You can put a Rogers, T-Mobile, or other GSM carrier's micro-sim into the Ipad2 and it will work. Since CDMA is a slightly different animal, Verizon might have a solid lock on the CDMA radios in the IPAD 2.

 

[pal-mickey]

So if I have a 3G/wifi iPad, with a cell phone service through Verizon, can I sign up for the 3G through AT&T ?

 

[k5jm]

So if I have a 3G/wifi iPad, with a cell phone service through Verizon, can I sign up for the 3G through AT&T ?

No, they are two different types of technology.

Compatible Carriers:

CDMA

• Verizon
• Sprint
• Virgin

GSM

• ATT
• T-mobile

IDEN (Legacy and going away)

• Sprint/Nextel
• Boost Mobile

 

[MM32830]

So if I have a 3G/wifi iPad, with a cell phone service through Verizon, can I sign up for the 3G through AT&T ?

That depends... If your iPad is a GSM iPad, then the answer is yes. If your iPad is CDMA (Verizon), then the answer is no.

I have an WiFi only iPad and an Android phone. Got the hotspot feature on the phone activated so I can make my phone a hotspot at any time. Takes about 30 seconds to activate and I go online anywhere I want (yep, even in the car).

And the best part is that I have unlimited data! Gotta love Verizon.



_______________
Armand

 

[hughjulia]

Does anyone know if you can activate AT&T tethering for just a month?

I would only want to use it when we are on vacation.

 

[MM32830]

Does anyone know if you can activate AT&T tethering for just a month?

I would only want to use it when we are on vacation.

Can't speak for AT&T, but you can activate tethering on a monthly basis with Verizon. Verizon allows you to add and remove features from your account at any time. Tethering is a "feature". Check with AT&T. They may have similar policies.

Also, most hotels now have free WiFi. Disney also has free WiFi if you are a DVC member.

Another option is McDonalds. Many location have free WiFi.



_______________
Armand

 

[chaoscent]

Thanks for the information about Verizon. I have an IPod, a wireless (not 3G) IPad, an Acer and a verizon cell phone. I was going to look into a MyFi with Verizon? Is that cheaper than "tethering". thanks, Penny

 

[MM32830]

A MiFi will cost much more than a tethering plan for your phone.

 

[Willow1213]

Does anyone know if you can activate AT&T tethering for just a month?

I would only want to use it when we are on vacation.

Yes, AT&T does allow you to activate the tethering plan for one month at a time. Please be aware though that if you have the unlimited data plan, when you activate tethering that you will be giving that up. You will not be able to reactivate the unlimited data plan.

 

[hughjulia]

Yes, AT&T does allow you to activate the tethering plan for one month at a time. Please be aware though that if you have the unlimited data plan, when you activate tethering that you will be giving that up. You will not be able to reactivate the unlimited data plan.

We didn't get our iPhones when the unlimited data plan was available. This would be the one upside to that.

However, I am glad you made that point. Someone reading this might need that bit of information.

We love our iPad. So much I'm thinking about buying another.