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

May 8, 2012 1:29 AM in response to scholarwilliams

After the software update the connection appears to be stable. I am using Singtel in Singapore and everything looks normal.


The only two things to highlight from my side is that it took me near 25 minutes to complete the update after iOS downloaded even when I was connected via USB cable.


The second thing to mention is that I needed to do a Network Settings reset and toggle the 3g data button once after the update. The reason for this is that I noticed a very slow website download speeds in Safari but as soon as I switched the toggle on/off everything went back to normal.


Thanks God it wasn't a hardware issue!

May 8, 2012 2:57 AM in response to scholarwilliams

Stop making me jealous. I had the bad idea of giving my iPad to Apple for a replacement a few days ago.


They could have told me. Something among the lines "we're preparing an update, don't waste your time without a tablet while we replace it".


They didn't. And they still have it because they're "repairing" it. I could be enjoying 3G in my untouched iPad right now.


If only I knew...

May 8, 2012 4:51 AM in response to scholarwilliams

It has been 12 hours since updating the to iOS 5.1.1 and no problem so far. It has gone through no signal, edge and 3G and until now it works just fine. At one point it display cellular data not available but then it automagically reconnected.


Thumbs up for now and will continue to monitor for the next 12 hours.



@MarioGarozzo

Mine does not stay at edge, it switches to 3G whenever possible.

May 8, 2012 6:39 AM in response to FazerWiz

Taken mine to work today on GiffGaff (O2), a distance of 15 miles. At work, medium 3G signal, took it to the bowels of the building to get no service and then back to desk, it transitioned ok. To be fair I couldn't get into a 2G mode to fully test it but it is looking good so far. I installed 5.1.1 yesterday.


Have had a very pleasant call from the UK PR office to see how things were going and also from the manager of the Regent St store


I am beginning to get my confidence restored


Will update if anything changes

May 8, 2012 6:46 AM in response to Tubalcain7358

Done all my previous tests on T-Mobile since upgrading and no issues. It would appear that this update did fix the problem. An expensive mistake for Apple, if they'd only pushed the information out to everyone sooner, if only to say a update is imminent, they could have saved themselves a large number of replacements (including two to me!).


Still, glad it seems to be fixed for us now 🙂

May 8, 2012 2:29 PM in response to MLadd

MLadd wrote:


Customer support has no knowledge of forthcoming updates unless they have been previously announced by Apple. As this fix was going to require a software update, you can not blame a customer service rep for accepting the repair that you most likely requested.


Simply, NO.


First, if Apple has an internal communication problem, it is not my problem. If the customer support, when presented the issue "it losts connection when switching from 2G to 3G" couldn't say "just wait, we are working on a solution" then it's Apple's problem by not being communicative enough. And I'm suffering the consecuences.


Second, I didn't request anything. I presented AppleCare a problem and they took the iPad away for a week saying it was a hardware problem. They decided to replace it, not me. I still haven't received it back. And I don't even know if it's going to be a new one or a remanufactured one.


I'm happy the problem has been finally solved, but I don't have a tablet and I need one on a daily basis. So don't. Please don't defend what can't be defended - an important software error and a communication problem where customer service didn't know what to do. It's Apple responsibility and that can't simply be excused, if that's what you're trying to do.

May 8, 2012 3:56 PM in response to scholarwilliams

Singapore Singtel with new iPad here... Network issue resolved with the new iOS update installed.


Glad that Apple has came up with a patch to solve this issue. And yes, I agree that this matter could have been better managed by indicating that an update is underway and told us to please wait patiently while they are testing the new update for stability, rather than keeping mum all this time!


Nonetheless, my confidence in Apple is back! And I don't know about you, but i'll be definitely The new iPhone! And please, Apple, don't make the same mistake twice.

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The new iPad constantly losing cellular data connnection

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