The new iPad has unstable 3G connection

Mine finally has to be restarted on the 10th hour.

In case some of you are curious, my serial begins with DLXH.

iOS version 5.1 (9B176), modem firmware 1.0.10. It is the same as the factory default.

Hi ultrakyo,

I've now been live since lunchtime Friday and not had any further failures. I also updated my other half's pad the same day and she's fixed too - neither of us have experienced any more issues.

That said, I don't believe that if I changed the SIM or network I wouldn't start having the same problem because I'm starting to believe it's the symptom of a mix of issues that overlap, some carrier, some iPad and some SIM related. I'm now in a good position and won't change anything, but what's worked for me might not work for you.

If it helps, to recap, the way I got here was:

1. SIM card PIN trick (fixed it for a while)

2. Fresh Firmware download from Apples Servers rather than a locally stored copy.

(note the SIM stayed in the device for the whole time, I've not removed it once.

I'm on O2, in the UK which is 2g/3g and since applying the firmware refresh I've travelled extensively between London, Manchester and Birmingham (probably about 700 miles or so this week) and have been on and off wifi and in and out of 2g/3g coverage.

I can only really suggest going scorched earth and following the steps above end to end, but I can't gurarantee it'll resolve the issue.

I have to say that this really smacks of a poor testing methodology...

Hi ultrakyo,

I'd had the same issue after resetting network settings I believe. Be aware that it's just a toggle that had to be re-enabled.

I believe the option is under Settings|General|Network|Personal Hotspot, which you turn on, then the same optionwill reappear on your main settings page.

Please confirm that corrects your issue.

Regards,

Frank

Ok, so I went to Apple - Regent Street today for my Genius appointment. I was given 2 options delete and full restore (including firmware, which may be important) or a replaced unit. Given that if the firmware restore doesnt work then I am entitled to a replacement, I took the pragmatic route and went for the restore.

I have got the Vodafone sim installed which previously got the Ipads knickers in a twist when it moved between 3G and 2G areas. So far it has transitioned through both without issue. I will keep an eye on it and update as necessary.

Still no acknowledgement from Apple that they have any sort of issue here. Maybe a fix was hidden in the firmware restore or maybe its just magic.

Watch this space (unless you are Apple of course)

Tried this firmware redownload and install today and unfortunately It did not work on my iPad 3 running on orange/t-mobile, after the first trip of about 30 miles and a few cell changes it failed to connect again althow it was showing a strong signal, so for me it is still not fixed.

same here, after ipad goes out of wifi range and turn to 3g, even with good signal, it cannot connect to interenet and give it a reboot is the only way to make it work. annoying really!!!

Do you think it is a hardware issue or should I wait until the next relase of firmware???

Hi ZZZ Moon Man,

No it is not at the location you mentioned nor it is seen on the setting. I moved the chip to my iPhone and the options are all there. I have tried this with two chips and it just doesn't workmon the new iPad.

Ultrakyo, I'm sorry to hear this didn't help. I know I've struggled with this for a while after doing a network settings reset and believe this is where I had re-enabled it but I could be wrong.

But I am certain it was a simple setting which was buried a few levels deep in the settings.

Thank you for informing me of the results (I knew I should have taken a note of this!)

ZZZ Moon Man, the steps you provided is correct. It is available on my iPhone and it is also on the user guide, but it is just not there. I have also checked my with my carrier that tethering is supported. I believe new iPad users in Singapore and several other countries are having this issue as well.

Hi Andrew

I had try to switch to StarHub telco for 3 days . All of the problem was fix after change this telco.

When swicthing wifi and 3g network It's wont to have network conectity problem again.

Meanwhile I believe is Singtel problem , cos my iPhone 4s having the same problem as

My new iPad too. It's using singtel network also. I will take action to call Singtel again

And ask for refund otherwise they have come out a good solution for me.

Hi Frankie, I believe it's definitely Singtel. Just that I have 3 lines with Singtel and it's difficult to change numbers and plans. There are also instances with other users in various countries who also solved this issue when they switched telco. I can't return the unit as its ordered from the US. However, my iPhone 4S does not have this issue from day 1, neither does my old ipad2 have this issue! Hence I'm stranded as to whether i should wait for apple to solve this or switch back to old iPad 2 :(

Hi all, Im frm Malaysia, using celcom telco, facing the same problem too, tired diff telco on my device , the result is the same. I believe this is a software issue, I really really really wish apple support reading this thread n save our device.......sad....

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How I resolved this issue.

4 days work-home-airport-underground-car without reboot.

Before I was loosing connection 4-5 times a day.

Please do precisely as described below.

1. Your sim card has to be inside your iPad. (wifi + 3G both on)

2. You have to be in 3G covered zone.

3. Your pin code has to be switched off. Do not reenable it!

4. Your security code has to be switched off. Do not reenable it!

5. Your Mac/PC has to be connected to Internet.

5. Connect your iPad to iTunes. Backup and then restore your iPad usin iTines.

iTunes will download files from Apples servers. You will lost your previously

installed programs but not your contacts etc.

6. If asked to update sim provider firmware answer yes.

7. Setup your iPad as for the first time.(do not reenable security codes)

8. Voila!

P.s. Usually people are buying new iPad, switching it on and than buying a new sim card.

I think the problem occurs if you install your 3G/2G capable sim card in your iPad after you've done initial setup.

Probably you have to switch on your iPad for the first time with a sim card inside it.

Hi ANTONeo,

I have tried that but it still fails to fix the issue. During the restore it does note shows if I want to update the provider firmware. I am guessing that it is country/carrier specific.

One interesting note is that since my SIM card works on two different APN, when the problem occurs I can switch to the second APN and it will continue to work again. But, on the next failure I would have to reboot since both APN would not be working anymore.