iPad 2 3G & Personal HotSpot?

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Level 1

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iPad 2 3G & Personal HotSpot?

Sorry if this has been posted, I cant seem to find it anywhere. Will the new iPad 2 3G ATT or Verizon do Personal HotSpot that is built into iOS 4.3?

Message was edited by: NapkinSketch

All, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 9, 2011 6:50 PM

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Answer 1

pvonk

Level 6

13,851 points

Mar 9, 2011 6:54 PM in response to NapkinSketch

If you're asking whether the iPad can create a hotspot (wifi) that other devices can connect to then no. But it can connect to any wifi hotspot that is provided by a modem or cell phone.

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Answer 2

Mar 9, 2011 7:52 PM in response to NapkinSketch

I REALLY wish they would let the iPad 3G's function as HotSpots. I have two laptops that need mobile broadband in addition to my iPad. Right now I have to carry a MiFi around with me everywhere I go. It has terrible battery life and stops functioning whenever it rains.

I have to lug the power cord for the MiFI with me and plug in pretty much anywhere I go.

If I could use my iPad 3G as a portable hotspot, it would solve that problem entirely. I know it seems like a niche need, but it would totally make me spring for a new iPad.

I know the simple solution might seem "Go buy an iPhone", but I'm a small business owner. I rely on my phone a lot and burn through TONS of minutes every month. I'm currently on a "monthly unlimited" plan from Virgin Mobile. If I switched to AT&T or Verizon my monthly phone bill would double.

Even though I'd love an iPhone, I just can't justify the additional cost.

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Answer 3

NapkinSketch Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 9, 2011 8:15 PM in response to NapkinSketch

Correct, I mean the iPad2 would be the HotSpot providing for other devices. I havent seen anything stated that this will be available on the new iPad2 through ATT/Verizon and I think its a shame, were paying for the data and should be able to use the feature which is already provided in iOS 4.3.

I too have an iPhone 4, but its owned by my business which will not spend another $20 to get iPhone 4 Personal HotSpot, not would I have them switch plans from my grandfathered unlimited.

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Answer 4

HuskerG

Level 1

7 points

Mar 10, 2011 2:30 AM in response to NapkinSketch

NapkinSketch wrote:
I too have an iPhone 4, but its owned by my business which will not spend another $20 to get iPhone 4 Personal HotSpot, not would I have them switch plans from my grandfathered unlimited.

Well the price is $45 on AT&T anyway, not $20.
You cannot use your unlimited plan for the hotspot and the cheapest plan is $45. That leans you pay $30 for your unlimited plus $45.

Do what I'm doing, stream netflix or Hulu or something 24/7 on your unlimited plan to make a point.

Message was edited by: HuskerG

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Answer 5

Mar 10, 2011 10:56 AM in response to NapkinSketch

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=19295&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=31675

There is a statement in this PR where it sounds like you might be able to but you will need the $45 plan with 2GB extra data (DataPro 4GB + HotSpot).

Message was edited by: ScottWerkema

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Answer 6

tonefox

Level 6

9,362 points

Mar 10, 2011 10:58 AM in response to HuskerG

HuskerG wrote:

Do what I'm doing, stream netflix or Hulu or something 24/7 on your unlimited plan to make a point.

I'm sure that will make them sit up and take notice...

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Answer 7

HuskerG

Level 1

7 points

Mar 10, 2011 11:03 AM in response to tonefox

tonefox wrote:

I'm sure that will make them sit up and take notice...

They may not notice or care, but it will make me feel better.

Message was edited by: HuskerG

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Answer 8

King974

Level 1

4 points

Mar 12, 2011 11:59 AM in response to ScottWerkema

I just got off the phone with ATT. As per the ATT representative, who called Apple, The iPhone 4G is the only iOS device that can act as a WiFi personal hotspot. The 3GS can be a personal hotspot via USB or Bluetooth.

Here is the website I was referred to: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4517

I have not spoken with Verizon and thus do not know if they have the same policy.

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Answer 9

Mar 12, 2011 2:49 PM in response to King974

I was just at Verizon this morning and the guy told me this:

Because I already have a data plan with a mi-fi card, he can setup the iPad2 to receive the data from that plan and the iPad2 becomes the hotspot. Same 5 simultaneous users. The card is disabled and I would probably resell it on Craigs or eBay.

Not sure if I believe it. I'll have to see it first.

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Answer 10

openend

Level 1

0 points

Mar 14, 2011 4:41 PM in response to NapkinSketch

Looks like AT&T now allows it. Maybe Verizon soon to follow?

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/att-adding-personal-hotspot-optio n-to-ipad-plan/

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Answer 11

cltanaka

Level 1

0 points

Mar 14, 2011 11:12 PM in response to HuskerG

Actually, it would cost NapkinSketch an extra $15. To tether he'd have to give up his $30 Unlimited Data Plan for iPhone and re-sign up for the $45/4GB DataPro for iPhone plan. The 4GB DataPro plans are the tethering data plans.

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Answer 12

Mar 3, 2014 2:11 PM in response to NapkinSketch

This is not a reply, but an updated inquiry on the topic. It is now March 3, 2014. I just switched to a newer ATT personal hotspot plan. The ATT customer support people insist that the iPad 2 can serve as a personal hotspot, yet I see no personal hotspot option under "settings." My OS is iOS 7.0.6 on my iPad 2 3G. So based on this thread, it seems that when the ATT personal hotspot was rolled out in 2011, the iPad 2 3G could not serve as a personal hotspot. Is this still the case with an iPad 2 3G using iOS 7.0.6 and the new ATT Mobile Share plan? I can set up my iPhone 5S as a hotspot with no problem, but not the iPad 2 3G. Does anyone outhere have any more recent experience with this topic? Cheers!

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Answer 13

Kneil31

Level 3

625 points

Mar 3, 2014 2:51 PM in response to Ibookunsavvy

You probably aren't paying for it. Typically cell providers charge an extra fee or a separate plan for internet. I also don't think the iPad 2 has the ability to be a hotspot.

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Answer 14

Mar 3, 2014 3:21 PM in response to Ibookunsavvy

Ibookunsavvy wrote:

I can set up my iPhone 5S as a hotspot with no problem, but not the iPad 2 3G. Does anyone outhere have any more recent experience with this topic? Cheers!

The iPad 2 does not support the personal hotspot feature.

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Answer 15

Mar 3, 2014 3:29 PM in response to Ibookunsavvy

So, here's the answer to my query: iPad 2 3G cannot be used as a personal hotspot on ATT. You must have an iPad 3 or later model iPad.

I called ATT again and got an agent who understood the problem and quickly explained that iPad and iPad 2 cannot be used as ATT hotspots. Period. Sadly, the two+ agents I spoke with earlier in the day all insisted that an iPad 2 could be used as a hotspot and that my problem was an iOS 7 issue; this is why I decided to ask the question here. cheers.

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