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

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606 replies

Apr 28, 2012 2:40 PM in response to kaykrum

@kaykrum: I think you mentioned the relevant point. It's the same with my iPad. At home I can switch between 3G and WiFi multiple times without any issues. The problem occurs when the iPad is on the move and obviously switches between EDGE and 3G. And the iPad does that even when you are not using it, for example when you put it in your bag and travel 100kms as you mentioned. I think thats when the iPad loses the connection at some point in the train/on the highway/wherever and won't reconnect until you reboot the device.

Apr 28, 2012 11:31 PM in response to chiefmastafunk

I feel that we are on the way to track down the problem. I'm in Germany, too and I observe that in most cases the hangup occurs, when the iPad is in standby. My iPad frequently switches between 3g and 2g without problems. But in some areas this doesn't work. In these areas the connection drops, when the iPad tries to switch back from 2g to 3g. My hypothesis is that the providers use different types of towers and with some of them a reconnection after standby is not possible, because the iPad does not work through the complete handshaking protocol.

Apr 29, 2012 2:12 AM in response to kug_gr

Apparently - after some 1 month of extensive research - the handover technology in lease/re-lease of 4g to 3g is not up to scratch. Bottom line - if not on guaranteed 4g, turn it off. Get a 3g only sim. Check your coverage - limit/turn off location based system services and app specified location options.


The kilometer coverage of a 4g mast can extend from some 50 to a 1000 km. If that is correct then even when no data send is possible beacause it uses multi-stream transmit/receive,, it also means your IP is 'locked'. Rebooting is the only way to release it and get a new IP. This is most definitely an infrastructure problem - not a pad or iOS problem.

Ct

Apr 29, 2012 3:48 AM in response to Coppertiger

Sorry but experimentation doesn't agree with that. To start, here in the Uk we have no 4g yet (or even pseudo 4g) so it can't be a lease/rerelease problem between 3 and 4g. The iPad here is working on he same 2g/edge/3g technology that every other device uses and I have no roaming problems with any other device, including my iPhone and previous IPad 2!


That leaves little doubt his is an iPad problem and nothing to do with the infrastructure. Most likely it's a driver but possibly a problem with the Qualcomm chip itself. Either way it's going to take a while to sort. A new driver will have to be supplied by Qualcomm, then integrated into an OS upgrade and pushed out. The silence from Apple my be because they are struggling to get a working driver from Qualcomm.

Apr 29, 2012 6:36 AM in response to FazerWiz

@FazerWiz post 29.04.2102 03:48. Convincing! The more one experiments, the clearer it becomes that it is not really an issue between WiFi and 3G (evidence: switching between the two at home works with no problem), but most likely an issue between 3G/EDGE/2G which is encountered on the road whether the iPad is being used or not (evidence: moving by car or train to a completely different area always provokes the problem).


The second paragraph of your post casts a ray of hope on the whole affair, assuming that the working driver can be generated.


And @Coppertiger: There are areas (like central Europe) that have no 4G which means there is no way to turn it off - and we still have the problem. So I am voting for "unintentional 2G/3G switching" as the culprit. And hoping that Apple's wizards are really working on the solution.

Apr 30, 2012 6:01 AM in response to Orion_lc

Hi orion_ic, I just went down to Singtel today. They pretended it's something new and insisted I use a new micro sim as I demanded a refund. I noticed there is a larger number of Singtel users facing this issue compared to m1 and starhub ( there are but much less especially starhub). We need to bring the issue up if not corporations will continue to sell with no responsibility. I have logged the issue with Singtel..i don't see a solution near.

Apr 30, 2012 4:41 PM in response to scholarwilliams

I was looking a my AT&T data use because I will be required to reup my data package choice for my iPad coming up in the next few days.


When I first signed up for a data package I chose the $50.00 data package because I am always away from home

And I would burn through 5GB of data in no time..


So, I look at my "statement" today and notice, I have been unable to use ONE SINGLE GB OF DATA since beginning

My $50.00 5GB plan with AT&T...


I CANNOT BELIEVE I HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO USE 800MB of 5GB OF CELLULAR DATA...even that was broken up so bad that I couldn't dare watch video, much less download an email message..


I AM SO, SO VERY DISAPPOINTED, To the point of Doing what I can to get a refund..


I sure wish there was an Apple store within 75 miles, I would have already been there.


This is NOT because I have not TRIED to use it,I HAVE, it is simply because it has been UNAVAILABLE, so not only have I been shafted by being FORCED into buying this AT&T LTE/ 4G iPad, I get another $50.00 worth of SHAFT ALONG WITH IT by not even being able to use it anywhere other than sitting no more than 20 feet from my wireless router, unless I wanted to sit in a business that sells wifi along with Fries and a soda...what fun!


I'm beginning to become angered and cynical at this whole experience...at what point does someone become financially responsible for creating this MESS..?


You know, A few hundred dollars to a big corporation may not mean a lot, or may never be missed.


However, that same few hundred dollars means a TON to a person who works very hard for those few hundred dollars..I am beginning to think I made a huge mistake on who I decided to give my few hundred dollars to..


Honestly, this has been a true nightmare to me and my family..

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The new iPad constantly losing cellular data connnection

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