Attention AT&T iPad Users

[DeltaDiamond001]

If you subscribe to a data plan (either 250MB or 2GB) from AT&T and don't want to pay hefty overage charges, make sure you turn cellular data off in the settings menu.

If you have WiFi in your house, or any public area where you plan on using your iPad, make absolutely certain that cellular data is switched off. The iPad is designed to use the stronger signal, even if WiFi is switched on and connected.

I've only had my iPad for 11 days, and already am down to 400MB from my original 2GB.

They better bring back the unlimited data plan. I don't even care if it's $50/month. I didn't get an $800 piece of equipment to worry about data overages...

Rant... over.

 

[vicki_c]

When there is an active WiFi connection to the Internet, the iPad shouldn't be connecting through 3G at all. It sounds like there is some kind of problem in your setup. 3G is secondary to WiFi when both are available.

In fact, I read posts (from last year, so could be changed w/a software update or something) stating that it was a problem that you could not get data from 3G when wireless was also active - this was a problem for some people who were using wireless network in their homes that was not connected to the Internet at all (for wireless speakers or printers, for example) - they were unable to get data over the 3G network when the wireless was active.

 

[OKW Lover]

Just wanted to add that this caution (even with Vicki's good point) would apply to Verizon customers as well.

I was also of the opinion that if you were on a wifi network, then the 3G connection wouldn't be used. But to be safe, in case something happens to your wifi connection, turn off the cellular data unless you actually need it.

 

[k5jm]

I stream all manor of Audio/Video over 3G and have never gone over the 2Gb. When we were in Europe, I had 250mb on my sim card and uploaded hundreds of Pics and some video and did not hit 250mb. You will also not get charged for overage. You have to purchase the additional bandwidth first. Your 3G will just stop working if you go over the limit.

 

[MonorailRed]

I'm at 9MB used with 8 days left in the cycle. Use wifi almost exclusively and never shut off 3G unless I'm flying. I think it's a case of "your mileage may vary" and keep an eye on your 3G data usage.

 

[AndyPok1]

Yeah, I'm honestly intrigued as to what you're doing to use so much data. I've done excessive downloading and streaming on my phone since 2006 and have rarely gone over 2GB. With the iPad, I generally don't come close to 1GB, and I use it to Remote Desktop into my work which takes up a ton of bandwith.

 

[DeltaDiamond001]

I have no idea what's taking up so much data!

I've downloaded a few apps, browse the web, and get my e-mail refreshed every hour. I could understand if I got a massive number of e-mails with all sorts of attachments, but I rarely get more than 10 each day.

I have iCloud active, but it should only work when WiFi is being used, right? That's what it says in the setting menu...

What's interesting is that I checked my data yesterday and I had only used 50MB, but after connecting to WiFi and syncing iCloud, it said 1600MB used!

This shouldn't be...

 

[Renysmom]

Your problem may be in the syncing of iCloud. It is searching and syncing 24/7. Turn off the auto syncing and see if that makes a difference.

If not, I would head over to a AT & T retail store for assistance.