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mattschenker Author

Level 1

1 points

3G Suddenly Useless!

Hello,
I have enjoyed using my 3G iPad while on the road to access e-mail, visit Web sites, and play games. But suddenly, 3G is unbelievably slow and almost always switches to "E" (whatever that means), and I eventually give up trying to use it.

To add insult to injury, my AT&T account shows some data usage during those times when I am trying but unable to use the plan I am paying for!

Is anyone else having the same issue? What's the solution?

Mac OS X (10.6.5), iMac 27", Mac Mini, iPad 16GB 3G+WiFi, iPod Touch 8GB/16GB, Airport Extreme

Posted on Nov 23, 2010 7:36 AM

53 replies

ddser

Level 1

0 points

Dec 2, 2010 6:53 PM in response to doc_guy

doc_guy solved it!

I followed his method (restore, set up as new ipad, NOT restoring from backup) and bingo! 3G is back. The nasty part is starting from scratch... all settings are lost, all apps need to be re-installed, etc. But hey, it's a bit of pain for 3G gain. The jump from 3.x to 4.x firmware must mess up something related to the 3G radio in the software.

The problem may be related to some specific setting(s), which is why not everyone lost 3G with the 4.2.1 upgrade.

Both Bell and Rogers now connect to their 3G network.

mattschenker Author

Level 1

1 points

Dec 3, 2010 4:30 AM in response to mattschenker

Hello,
I have waited in vain for this problem to go away. But my iPad is simply useless in 3G. To add insult, I just got a bill for another month from AT&T.

Does anyone know how the warranty covers this? I know we have a one-year warranty, but does that mean we have a right to return the iPad within a year?

Thanks,
Matt

Zelie

Level 1

5 points

Dec 3, 2010 2:58 PM in response to doc_guy

I'm very glad doc_guy's fix worked for him and a few others.

Unfortunately, it's not a sure cure for everyone. I tried it twice this morning, to no avail. Lost all my settings and data, but it gave me a chance to organize, so that part wasn't so bad.

3G is still only 1-2 bars, quickly failing to Edge. WiFi acts as slow as a poor grade Edge.

Tried downgrading to 3.2 with the Option key, but couldn't get past Apple's failure to verify. Even disconnected my iMac from the internet, hoping it would skip the verify process. But no go. What am I missing? How do others downgrade successfully?

IvanPe

Level 1

0 points

Dec 4, 2010 11:29 AM in response to doc_guy

The solution did not work unfortunately. I still have the problem.

Shreyasm

Level 1

0 points

Dec 5, 2010 12:13 AM in response to a1000

While there are so many of us iPad users who are raising issues on wifi issue post upgrade to os 4, there seems to be an uncanny silence on any sort of resolution from apple.....

The least they can do is acknowledge the problem and let it's customers know that a fix is on its way......

Even lesser companies have been known to do this bare minimum and basic thing ........

Isn't service to the customer of utmost importance Mr.jobs.

....especially if you created the problem.....

Zelie

Level 1

5 points

Dec 5, 2010 6:23 AM in response to mattschenker

Has anyone else noticed when they try to load a webpage in Safari with the new 4.2.1 iOS that the blue progress bar in the address field skips backwards sometimes? It's almost like a jitter, but since I first noticed it I've watched more closely and when the connection is really struggling I swear the bar goes BACKWARDS!

Dec 5, 2010 6:39 AM in response to Shreyasm

My feelings exactly. This is absurd. They created the problem now a fix and acknowledgement please!!

Dec 5, 2010 7:07 AM in response to WizdomTooth

"you're holding it wrong" or "at&t network is to blame" or "all tablets suffer from poor 3g"

That good enough? Or do you want a bumper?

You know Apple ain't gonna admit a problem it goes against their whole ideals. Just chill and wait for a silent patch. Apple knows the problem is there, they will fix it.

But the last thing you want to do is create another huge drama fest over something so small as your ipad not working, I mean look what happened when the iphone wasn't working... do you really want people at starbucks to know you're device is having problems? Or do you want them to simply look at you wide eyed like the god that you are, I mean seriously does it really need to work, or just look cool...

You know like kids who stich tommy hilfigger and polo patches on their walmart jeens. All that matters is people see the logo in your possesion.

Patinito

Level 1

0 points

Dec 9, 2010 9:02 PM in response to mattschenker

Try this...

Go to:

http://unlockit.co.nz/

Create a custom profile for your carrier. That did the trick for me. iPad is back. Me so happy.

Dec 10, 2010 12:59 PM in response to doc_guy

Just to touch base on doc's fix...you do not even have to hook up the iPad to itunes...and do a restore to factory. Just go into - settings and erase all content and settings. This will get back your 3G signal AND you wont loose your 4.2 upgrade that you just did. It is a win win.
I did this and it worked smooth as butta!!!!!

HaroldV

Level 1

0 points

Dec 10, 2010 3:11 PM in response to mattschenker

Same problem here, reset everytging, reinstalled everything and went to a full reset.....3G still not working, worked fine with 3.2.1.

Dec 13, 2010 1:28 PM in response to mattschenker

Same issue here. Italian SIM. After upgrade no 3G signal. The reset didn't fix the issue.

Dec 13, 2010 8:04 PM in response to mattschenker

Same problem here. Since IOS upgrade no 3G.
Lets hear it Apple. There is enough buzz on the web to have a team provide a fix. Should not be up to the customer(s) to find workarounds to your imposed glitches. Considering 3G being a significant feature of the IPAD, we need a fix. Nuff said.

Dec 13, 2010 9:19 PM in response to bigboysmallcity

When you do this erase all content and media do you lose movies and pictures on the ipad?

Dec 15, 2010 8:37 AM in response to mattschenker

Here from Brazil, I have problem with 3G. It don't connect. What I do?

3G Suddenly Useless!