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

May 5, 2012 2:15 AM in response to p0ttyp1g30n

My iPad just switched from E to 3G. I'm still writing this post from it.


DURING THE RESTORE I'VE GOT AN UPDATED FIRMWARE FOR MY SIM FROM SFR (France).


Before I tried every trick discribed in this forum. Evene restore but without disabling

password and pin code. I didn't work.


Now it works.


Probably it's carrier problem. SFR is 3G+, 3G, edge/GPRS provider.

May 5, 2012 2:36 AM in response to ANTONeo

Probably you're referring to the IPCC file that tells the i-devices how to deal with the carrier, not a proper frimware update for your SIM (as SIMs cannot be flashed by the end users, not to mention the fact that any flash cannot be made through a commercial product like the iPad).

First and foremost, the witchover "is LIKELY" to break your WWAN connection, but is NOT CERTAINLY breaking it, so I'd wait for a few switchovers before screaming out loud your happiness.

Sencondly, the IPCC upgrade "might" have changed something in how the iPad handshakes with the network, perhaps allowing for some more "relaxed" way of dealing with the switchovers between 2G and 3G, so that this could be a workaround solution.

Remember that this network link failure happens around the world, so the core problem has to be bound to the "new" hardware/software combo in the new iPad as everything has worked pretty much flawlessly so far with all the other i-devices.

May 5, 2012 1:20 PM in response to p0ttyp1g30n

Hi all,


An update on my side. I got a replacement iPad, serial number starts with DLXH. So far so good. Very fast to find a signal. Customer service staff at Sapura@Funan told me that Apple will be issuing a software update. I did need to go to Airplane mode once, but I think it was just a place with bad coverage. Will keep monitoring, but so far it looks good.

May 6, 2012 11:53 AM in response to Kidon0

Another update for my Singapore friends, iPad replacement survived the black hole that is Simpang Bedok on Singtel "3G" through the Newcastle-Man City and Man Utd-Swansea games. Not the most scientific methods, but it did manage to stay on 3G and provide me with data from Soccernet without crapping out like it normally did on the original set.

May 7, 2012 8:35 AM in response to scholarwilliams

Same problem at Turkey. My network provider Turkcell. 32gb 4g 3rd gen iPad i just get it yesterday. Comparing it with iPad 2 both hava same iOS and network provider Turkcell. Network connection status shows 3 bars 3G at iPad 2 and just 1 bar 3G at new iPad. When opening a common web page iPad 2 quickly OpenS the page but No move at new iPad. Also changing position and now both have 5 bars 3G connection. Then the same problem new iPad can't connect anytihing and data loss... After rebooting it, for a while No problem with connection, than the same problems.... Now trying common solving methods.... But it is really annoying and boring...

May 7, 2012 12:06 PM in response to scholarwilliams

I knew it was the 2G/3G thing!!!!!!!!!


According to the release notes for iOS 5.1.1:



This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:


- Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut

- Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks

- Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances

- Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List

- Fixes an issue where 'Unable to purchase' alert could be displayed after successful purchase


For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website:


http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

May 7, 2012 4:09 PM in response to p0ttyp1g30n

I installed it earlier, and so far my iPad's been working perfectly with cellular data always enabled, and wifi enabled/disabled now and then. This used to trash my cellular data, but it hasn't at least for a couple of hours now (it probably forced the cellular data to reconnect when disabling the wifi).


Will see tomorrow when commuting.


Apple - please be more informative the next time this happens (and it sure will some day)! Hope this is indeed the needed fix.

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The new iPad constantly losing cellular data connnection

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