HT201587: About download times for the iTunes Store purchases and rentals

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mmr5000

Q: Can you download a 2 hr movie over the 3 g network and how long should it take?

I tried to download a 2 hour movie from iTunes to my iPad 2 and gave up. After 2 hours I only had 25% downloaded.  The wifi connection was probably weak.  I tried to use my 3 g data connection but that did not seem to improve the situation.  Can I download over the data connection?  And how long will it take for a 2 hour movie?

iPad 2, iOS 6.0.2

Posted on Jan 10, 2013 11:44 AM

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Q: Can you download a 2 hr movie over the 3 g network and how long should it take?

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  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black Jan 10, 2013 11:47 AM in response to mmr5000
    Level 7 (25,306 points)
    Jan 10, 2013 11:47 AM in response to mmr5000

    First thing to worry about is how large is the actual movie download, and what is your data plan limit?

     

    My experience with 3G was that it was never up to the download speeds I got over my broadband internet connection at home (LTE is a different story however).

     

    As to how long it would take, no way to tell you.  Just like any internet connection, realized 3G speeds vary widely depending on which network you are on, and where you actually are on that network.

  • by varjak paw,Helpful

    varjak paw varjak paw Jan 10, 2013 11:47 AM in response to mmr5000
    Level 10 (169,890 points)
    Jan 10, 2013 11:47 AM in response to mmr5000

    It would depend on your carrier whether you can download such a large file over their data network. It would probably take up a significant portion of the monthly cap most carriers have in place for most plans, or even exceed it, so I would strongly recommend you review your cell plan to determine any such limits before you attempt it. 

     

    It may be more practical to try and sort out the problems with your WiFi connection.

     

    Regards.