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michaeljoo Author

Level 1

14 points

iPad2: Verizon vs. AT&T 3G?

I am trying to decide between the AT&T and Verizon versions for the 3G iPad2 and would appreciate any info regarding the difference in quality of data service between the two carriers.

Can anybody comment on the quality of the network service (coverage, penetration, and speed) of the two carriers? I suppose it is too much to hope for that there is a clear consensus on which of the two is better in terms of service, but I'll ask anyway in case there is general agreement about the pros and cons of the two providers.

I looked through the first 11 pages or so of discussions on the "Using iPad" forum and didn't really see a thread like this (was surprised about this as I expected this question would be the topic of every other thread; if there is, or if there were any further back than 11 pages, please let me know). I also tried a search for Verizon vs. AT&T, but only found some threads in the iPhone section, but not really in the iPad section.

Some info on my planned usage:

-I will use the iPad2 mostly on wi-fi (primarily at home)

-However, I want a 3G version to get reliable internet access for when I travel

-In the past I have just brought my laptop and tried to find free or open wi-fi networks but access has been very spotty and unreliable

-So, I plan to bring a 3G iPad2 when I travel for internet access and purchase a data plan during those times

-I mostly travel during the summer and so will probably only purchase the 3G plan for about 2 or 3 months out of the year

-For now the places I will most likely be using 3G service are: in the NE, from Boston to Washington D.C, and Tampa, FL

-I would like to know which carrier would be best:

a) to get the best coverage (areas that receive reliable signals, with fewest dead spots), in and out of the metro areas, including roads and highways in between

b) to get the strongest signal inside buildings (penetration)

c) to get the fastest speeds

I am primarily interested in the differences in the quality of service (coverage, penetration, and speed) between the two carriers. There are other issues that have me leaning towards AT&T, but these are secondary in priority to the issue of service. The following are the 2-3 other considerations that I have in mind. If there are other significant issues, please let me know.

1) Regarding the data plan pricing structure of the two carriers, I think I prefer AT&T's, but that consideration is secondary to the quality of the service.

2) I would also prefer AT&T with respect to the GSM technology and the ability to use it internationally while in Europe and other places. But, again, that feature is not a priority at the moment as I don't think I will be traveling internationally often in the next few years.

3) I also like that with AT&T you have access to their hot spots. However, I don't know how much I would use such hot spots. Places like B&N and Borders and others already have free wi-fi. Others like Starbucks that seems to be exclusive to AT&T I don't really go to, and the airport I use most frequently apparently has their own exclusive wi-fi network which you have to pay for.

Anyway, if the service between the two carriers are roughly equal, I would probably go with AT&T since I think I lean towards them for the secondary issues mentioned above.

However, if it is generally acknowledged that Verizon's network/service is superior, especially in the northeast and in the Tampa, FL area, I would go with Verizon instead as the priority for me is the coverage so that I have reliable internet access while traveling.

I guess I'm asking if the Verizon version is sufficiently better in terms of the 3G service over AT&T's to outweigh my leaning towards AT&T on the secondary issues, if my primary concern is the quality of 3G service.

I don't have an iPhone or a smart phone, so don't really have any experience of my own with the 3G/data networks of either carrier to base my decision on.

Thanks in advance.

Posted on May 25, 2011 11:24 PM

18 replies

May 27, 2011 2:21 PM in response to michaeljoo

For me, there would be no contest between VZ and AT&T. AT&T is GMS. VZ is CDMA. If you decide to travel internationally and you want 3G service in any country, VZ simply won't work, but with GSM, you can buy a pre-paid Microsim in any country and you'll have service.

michaeljoo Author

Level 1

14 points

May 27, 2011 2:30 PM in response to lobsterghost1

rbrylawski wrote:

For me, there would be no contest between VZ and AT&T. AT&T is GMS. VZ is CDMA. If you decide to travel internationally and you want 3G service in any country, VZ simply won't work, but with GSM, you can buy a pre-paid Microsim in any country and you'll have service.

Yes, I would prefer AT&T because they use the GSM technology, but I probably won't be traveling abroad much the next few years, so though I would prefer this, it is not a primary issue for me. All things being equal, I would choose the AT&T/GSM version. However, the more important issue for me would be quality of service domestically. I've often heard people comment that "Verizon's service/coverage" is better with respect to their cell phone service, so I was wondering if there was a similar general consensus regarding their data network. However, it seems that this might not be the case.

BTW, I see you are in Tampa, FL.

Do you have an AT&T iPad? And, if so, how is the 3G coverage in Tampa?

That is one of the areas that I plan on using the 3G coverage (see my OP), and so am particularly interested in the coverage there. The other area is the northease (Boston to DC), especially NY (and DC).

May 27, 2011 5:52 PM in response to michaeljoo

Actually, my iPad is Wifi, not 3G. For my needs, I'm almost always near a Wifi signal that I can access, so the aded cost wasn't justified. I do have AT&T iPhone 4 and in Tampa, AT&T is hands down the dominant carrier, so if you'll be in Tampa much, you won't be disappointed with AT&T's data. There's a guy in my office who just bought the Verizon iP4. His phone drops out often and sometimes show's no service, while I have a very strong signal. Of course if I ever feel I need to have data, I'll just pay the extra fee and use my iP4 to tether to my iPad.

iPad2: Verizon vs. AT&T 3G?