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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

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606 replies

Apr 5, 2012 2:03 PM in response to chiefmastafunk

I have the same problem with my iPad 3 4G 32GB with both an O2 SIM card and a GiffGaff SIM card (admittedly also using the O2 network). When I travel with my iPad, e.g. taking it on a train, it looses its mobile data connection despite showing a strong signal. Toggling settings does not fix it (turning mobile data and/or wifi on or off, or even temporarily enabling airplane mode). The only way I have found to re-establish mobile data is to turn the iPad off the on again (powering it off fully by holding down the power button then swiping).


This is a very irritating problem on an otherwise excellent product.

Apr 5, 2012 7:33 PM in response to scholarwilliams

I have the exact same problem in Singapore with a 64GB 4G iPad and Singtel service. I tried switching between the 3 sim cards I currently have a the issue continues. Toggling settings doesnt fix the problem and only a complete reboot (power off and on again) fixes the issue.


I wonder why this issue hasn't gone public in any of those website especialized in Apple rumors? We should do more noise about this!!


I really hope this is just a software problem :(

Apr 5, 2012 11:26 PM in response to scholarwilliams

Same issue here with AT&T 64Gb LTE + Wi-Fi. Called Applecare, they suggested a reset of the network settings. That did not help. I'm now trying a restore from iTunes. I have to toggle the cellular data on and off to force a network search, which only works till the iPad 3 goes to sleep. Work with the connection for a while, it goes to sleep and...Then repeat again. I NEVER had this kind of hassle with my 1st gen iPad. Continually futzing with settings to keep the cellular data connection is not gonna cut it...Next stop is likely the genius bar...

Apr 6, 2012 12:23 AM in response to scholarwilliams

I have also the cellular connection issue here in Germany (@Deutsche Telekom). My model is a new iPad 64GB 3G and the issue with lost cellular connection which can not be restored without a restart of the iPad occurs mainly during movement (e g during train rides). Sometimes connection gets lost after I leave my home Wifi zone, so the iPad seems also have an issue with switching from Wifi connection to cellualar connection. Seems to me there is clearly more than one connection issue (besides the Wifi issue which is only relevant for Wifi only models).

Apr 6, 2012 1:07 PM in response to scholarwilliams

64gb wifi/4g | T-Mobile.de | Germany

Same service plan for last 18 months

No problem with iPad 2

Same settings between iPad 2 and new iPad

Never had 4G service(likely not available in my area)

Problem persists since first day of purchase(worldwide release day1)

New iPad shows 3G service and performs well, then later stops working

ONLY resolve is power down then power up

Problem presents in multiple locations(towns) exactly the same way each time


So what does it take for all of us(customs with this problem) to get resolve?

Apr 6, 2012 2:03 PM in response to scholarwilliams

I went at apple service after talking with apple care. They exchanged my device as a DOA (dead on arrival) and I have a brand new device right now. No problems occur now, everything works perfect. I advice you to do the same because if you are late you can't exchange your device as a DOA, and you will get a refurbished.


So it IS a hardware problem that apple accepts and exchanges the devices.....

Apr 7, 2012 4:17 AM in response to scholarwilliams

I have just tried using the SIM PIN workaround (change SIM PIN from default value, then disable SIM PIN), and bizarrely I have now been able to switch from WiFi to mobile broadband twice (by walking to the bottom of the garden)! This may just be a coincidence - I'm not sure that switching fails every time. However, I'd be interested to hear other people's experiences after changing and disabling the SIM PIN...


I'll post again if the problem recurs (probably very soon)!


David

The new iPad constantly losing cellular data connnection

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