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The new iPad constantly losing cellular data connnection

My new iPad (3rd gen), 4G (AT&T) cannot seem to maintain a cellular data connection. The AT&T signal meter is still there (and shows 3 bars), but the "4G" disappears, and I get a "could not activate the cellular data network" error. I know it's not my location because it happens both at work and at home, and because my iPhone 4S and 1st gen iPad don't have the problem. I have already toggled cellular data on and off, restarted the iPad, reset network settings, and restarted again. No luck. Each time I restart, the connection works for about 30 seconds, and I can check my email, but then it immediately goes out again. Has anyone else had this problem?

iPad, iOS 5.1

Posted on Mar 19, 2012 1:50 PM

Reply
606 replies

Apr 15, 2012 3:03 AM in response to scholarwilliams

Hi Guys,


There may be a problem on an earlier version of the New iPad. It has been reported by another user that his friend has purchased a new iPad and his/her serial number starts with DLXF and apparently there is no 3g problem!


I like many others have this 3g problem and mine starts with DLXH


Please reply with which ipad you have along with the first part of your serial number and if you are experincing this problem or not.


Hopefully were getting closer to an answer!

Apr 15, 2012 6:28 AM in response to Orion_lc

We have this issue with two U.S. purchased AT&T 64GB iPads with serial numbers that start with DMPH and

DMQH. Have employed all suggested fixes within this string and have not been able to resolve the issue as of yet.


Have opted to replace one of the units with a Verizon unit which is due to arrive on April 20th. Pending the outcome of the swap, we will determine the best course of action for the second device.

Apr 15, 2012 8:29 AM in response to Peter49oz

Mine is also DLXH. I think the serial number is irrelevant.


I am testing now different possibility. On some polish forum I found information that iPads working in one of four polish carriers (it is called Play) do not have this issue. Other three carriers T-Mobile, Orange and Plus - people with iPads on those carriers have this issue. I had it with carrier Plus. So today I bought Play sim card and testing. I will let you know about the result. If it works it means that there are some carriers that new iPad is working with correctly.

Apr 15, 2012 9:47 AM in response to scholarwilliams

Wanted to add my voice to the chorus. Brand-new iPad (3rd gen, wifi+LTE, 64GB, black) showed superfast LTE speeds at the AT&T store, but at home -- just 2 miles away -- the device cannot hold onto a cellular data connection. I am solidly in an LTE service area (San Mateo, CA).


Symptoms: 1 bar of LTE that operates at about 5Mbps, but the iPad loses that connection even when sitting still. Indicator then shows 4G with 1-2 bars, but data connection is lost. Sometimes the device even switches to "No Signal" indicator. The iPhone 4S or 1st-gen iPad sitting next to the new iPad work fine over the 4G/3G signal.


Tried lots of the workarounds suggested in this thread: turning LTE off, turning Wifi off, restarting. Nothing improves the 4G cell signal nor the LTE. (FWIW, I set up the new device from my iPad 1st-gen backup. Sounds like a lot of people experiencing these problems did so also. My original iPad is so old that i have an unlimited data plan, and getting that activated on the new device was a whole 'norther bother. But the result of that is a brand-new SIM card in the new iPad.)

Apr 15, 2012 10:03 AM in response to rborkows

64gb VZ and I received same message. I went ahead and updated and restarted my ipad and I can honestly say, I have no idea what the update did as my 3g service is still a joke. I Googled the update though and it said something about VZ launched new towers and the update was needed. FWIW, Iphone 4s sitting right next to new ipad connects great via 3g. I am tired of waiting for a fix.... This update didn't help me. I have 7 days left for my 30 day return to BB....

Apr 15, 2012 1:06 PM in response to davidm_uk

Nooooooooooooooo, you'e right - got my first lockup tonight. I'm very disappointed. It certainly lasted a whole lot longer, but not a fix 😟


It's such a PITA, I got the iPad because I didn't want to keep booting up my netbook, the whole "instant on, instant use" really appealed, but most often when I go to use it, I have to power the whole thing off and on again.


Just FYI, I have never had it lock up with a "3" SIM, so I suppose it's back to that (although it's not as good a deal for me). I guess I'll go back to Apple and see if I can get a model with a different serial prefix.

Apr 16, 2012 1:56 AM in response to Orion_lc

I am also from Singapore. Order on Launch Day. Serial starts with DLXH.


Provider: Singtel.


really ****** at having to constant power reset. Worst when need to refer to simple emails and attachments during important meetings, all that free mouth to mouth benefits on Apple tech went out the window they saw my non-moving email screen.

The new iPad constantly losing cellular data connnection

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