Verizon connectivity almost never works on my new iPad

I'm wondering if others are seeing this. Here's what's happening:

- this past Tuesday I signed up from my iPad for the $30/mo Verizon plan. I tested web browsing and it worked

- subsequent attempts to use it failed. I see "Verizon LTE" and full bars on the status bar, but any attempt at network access pops up a "not connected to the Internet" error. If I go to the "Set up personal hotspot", I get a message to contact Verizon.

- yesterday (Saturday) I went to a Verizon store for help. And of course, when I tried to show the person in the store the problem it worked.

- once again today it is not working.

I don't think it is specific to my home; I was trying on the bus and from work on Friday and had the same problem.

I bought this specifically because I want to have 'net access for my daily two hours bus commuting but am getting nowhere (meanwhile Verizon is decreasing my days).

Have others experienced this? I am very frustrated right now.

Oh - to add insult to injury - my wife has one too and we have not noticed any issues with hers.