Q: Just bought the new ipad, but I get the following message:"Your ipad could not be activated because the activation server cannot be reached. Try connecting your ipad to itunes to activate it, or try again in a couple of minutes"

Did you double check your network configurations to make sure that it's not completing it due to this?  It sounds like based on the messages that your network connection is timing out.  So, you might be having an ISP or network issue.

Can't connect to the iTunes Store

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1368

Look at iOS Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections  http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398

iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks  http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304

iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199

Additional things to try.

Try this first. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.

Go to Settings>Wi-Fi and turn Off. Then while at Settings>Wi-Fi, turn back On and chose a Network.

Change the channel on your wireless router. Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html

Another thing to try - Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.

How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems

http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/

If none of the above suggestions work, look at this link.

iPad Wi-Fi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes

http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/

Fix iPad Wifi Connection and Signal Issues  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWtIG5jUxE

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If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.

 Cheers, Tom

It might be set to only allow certain systems on.  If your iPad is plugged into your computer it shouldn't need the network configured since it's going through your computer.  So, you're probably having one of two problems.  Browse to any site on your computer, and if you can do that it will eliminate the ISP being the issue. If you can't browse to any site you need to check with your provider since there may be an outage. 

If you've gotten an error when your iPad is connected the Apple servers could very well be the issue. So, best/easiest thing to do is wait and try again or just call Apple care since you just got the iPad.

Only other thing I can think of is that you have multiple people using your Internet at home and thus not giving you any bandwidth.  Is your network password protected?  If not, look up instructions for your particular wireless router and put one on to keep your neighbors from using your Internet connection. 

I've just reset my ipad 2 and I'm having the exact same problem. I think the activation server might be down.

I'm trying to access via Virgin Media from the UK if thats of any importance. I did a bit of googling and albert.apple.com is one of the activation servers and It's not responding when I ping it.

Im having the same problem with my iphone 4. updated to 511 yesterday and got that message. im on virgin uk too. PITA

The Apple server for activation is down at the moment in the UK. I've just got off the phone with Apple and they stated the engineers are woking to fix it. There may be some problems with iCloud and iTunes as well until they fix it.

Hi I'm having the same issues again with virgin media broadband, had issues since yesterday, they said it would take a few days to fix!

all very interesting as i'm with Virgin also!

I'm having exactly the same problem - in the UK (North West) with Virgin Media broadband.

Just managed to activate at 7:00am (UK) worked first time - Virgin must have addressed issues!

I am having today the same problem. Can you please help me to find how to solve it? thank you.