The new iPad has unstable 3G connection

Frankie, you can see from this forum of 13 pages, lots of Singtel complains, 1 M1 and zero Starhub complains? My colleagues using Starhub with the same batch of new iPad as mine has no problem. I tend to believe this is a hardware compatibility issue between iPad and telco server. I used to work with a manufacturer in telecommunication line, and it's not uncommon to have GPRS working for 1 telco but not another due to their server infrastructure. Of course these are big ticket items and no one is going to admit its their fault or change their entire hardware for a brand of product (even less so for a few customers), even Apple!

I have a new iPad from Singtel and have the exact problem. Non-connectivity to 3G after 'sleeping' or transition from 'wifi' after a few hours. I brought my set to eServ @ 313 but the folks dismissed it as either a corrupted microSIM or poor network coverage because of their location (B3) or data on the go but its rubbish as my iPhone on Starhub connects fine. I would encourage new iPad users to get the Applecare protection plan as they offer express mail-in replacement and/or hardware during the coverage, until Apple or Telco can fix the problems.. its been a painful 5 weeks of usage.

I have replaced both the ipad and singtel microsim, still have the same issue.

After switchover to Wifi, there is delay before 3G connection failed. I can only reestablish 3G connection either by power-reset or network reset.

This seems to be a network connection timeout - may be something like base-station failed to reestablish handshake with the device after limited retries (because device is on Wifi), so it decided to terminate the data point. The only way to reconnect is for the device to request for celluar network connection, which require network reset. If what I think is correct, Singtel (and other service provider) do this to preserve the limited bandwidth, which is logical...why need to keep the celluar data line active if device is out of range.

The solution is probably for both Apple and Singtel (and service providers) to come to an agreement on the handling of connection timeout issue. Example, ipad responses with "alive" message to base-station even it is on Wifi.

Hope that my above-mentioned are correct.

Seriously, it doesn't work after changing both the ipad and singtel microsim? Its very frustrating to keep restarting and resetting network settings..

seriously yes..and I bet that Apple's share will dive next quarter for the high return on "problematic" ipad if not resolve soon.

I did my fair bit of research on this topic. Apparently switching, changing, replacing iPads and micro sim cards won't work. Just do a google on Singtel and iPad 3 connectivity issue, you will see similar case from day 1. Sadly, Singtel has not come clean with this. Very disappointed. I went down to singtel shop and they pretended not knowing it..probably testing how ignorant I am on this issue. I going down to comcenter to demand a refund as singtel has failed to provide the fundamental basis of their service agreement with me, the buyer. Please do the same and raise the issue online and on print and with case Singapore.

Same problem for me, in the UK, with O2 (tried both contract and PAYG SIMs)

I'm having the exact problem, everyday i need to reboot it when i leave my house for work..... this connectivity issue is really serious ....i hope Apple can solved this problem ASAP, sad.....

I have went for a refund and had returned my ipad to Singtel as i need a stable 3G connections, WIFI alone is insufficient for me.

My new iPad cannot connect to 3G (M1) network 50% of the ON time. When to eServ and was told the new iPad has this issue and offer to exchange new iPad with 2-4 days waiting time. The customer service also told me that changing a new iPad cannot be sure the 3G issue will resolve. I am going to return this new iPad this week.

And same problem here too, Amsterdam-The Hague area in the Netherlands. Glad not to be the only one. Apple support NL told me they had never heard this before!

MartG, I believe Apple's answer is just a delay tactic. Just ask them to refer to this blog. I believe from earlier threads, apple us has acknowledged this problem. I ordered mine from the US, so kinda difficult for me to return it (from singapore)!

Hi All,

I did what Anton_UK said last night. From iTunes I performed a restore, that means redownloading the IPSW from apple server. So far I am into my 8th hours without problem. Let's see how it goes.

Anton_UK, how is yours doing?

Btw does anyone experiencing issue with the missing personnal hotspot as well?

Hi all,

I also performed a restore from iTunes last night. After loading iOs 5,1 from the server iTunes asked me about updating firmware of my sim card (SFR, France). I answered yes of corse. In the morning at work I've seen for the first time E instead of 3G and till now my iPad performs well. Now it's on 3G. No crash. I'm crossing fingers %)