Thanks Meg for you interest in my plight. I will attempt to clarify further.
At my location of interest, I get only 2 bars and 95% of the time my Verizon iPad 3 only gets slow 3G service. Every once in a while, at random and for short periods, LTE service latches on but doesn't last long. Allowing Data Roaming makes no difference.
In order to determine what was wrong I first called Verizon to make sure it was not a temporary problem with one of their towers. If they had told me their equipment was in top shape and confirmed that my signal was supposed to be strong in my area (as per their coverage map) then my next stop would have been the Apple Store down the street.
I am familiar with the map at:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/wireless-coverage-area-map.shtml
That is the map linked-to by the Apple Store and the one I used to make sure Verizon offered strong LTE coverage in my area. I live in the middle of a major metro area (33143, Miami-Dade, Florida) and selecting the "4D LTE button" button on the Verizon wireless coverage area map indicates complete, darkest color, top tier, strong coverage for my area and miles around. Based on this information I decided to purchase my iPad 3 with the Verizon circuitry.
The surprise started when the Verizon rep stated that their internal system showed no LTE coverage in my area for Prepaid plans AT ALL. As proof they indicated that as a Prepaid customer I could NOT click on the 4D LTE button on the Verizon wireless coverage area map because that button only applied to contract customers. I had to click on the Prepaid button and that was the end of that. This was confirmed by the supervisor called Tim from the Colorado Branch office. No further recourse.
So I am upset and a bit confused at the moment. At the time of purchase Apple sends me to a Verizon map with the 4D LTE button pre-selected ... but that's not the button you are supposed to use according to Verizon. I am in the middle of a prime city with top Verizon LTE coverage (alledgedly) but can't access it unless I get a 2-year contract. Can this be considered bait and switch? Any class-action lawyers out there?
I just want my LTE.
Caveat Emptor?