Why does my Apple IPad Air fail to connect to my Consumer Cellular data plan?

Do you have a WiFi Only model of iPad, or WiFi+Cellular? Only the WiFi+Cellular models can be directly used with Cellular networks.

Be aware that the majority of Phone SIMs are not correctly provisioned for most tablet computers - and most will offer no service at all with an iPad. In most cases, you will require a DataSIM that is explicitly intended for tablet computers and Cellular Routers (also known as MiFi).

If you have added a DataSIM and Cellular plan to a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, the number associated with the SIM card is only used to identify your account for billing purposes. This number is not used for making calls or sending messages.

Set up cellular data service on your Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad - Apple Support

SharonKay1669 wrote:

My Apple IPad won’t connect to my Consumer Cellular Data, why not?

ask Consumer, assuming you actually have a wifi+cellular ipad.