Q: Using iPad mini without wifi connection

You can get a device like a mifi, a portable wifi hotspot that connects to the cellular network. Make your own hotspot and connect to the net, kinda like you would on your phone if you had a smart phone. Or you can look into whether or not your phone can support tethering and you turn your phone into the hot spot.

If your mini is a wifi and cellular version, then what you need to do is activate the cellular contract. So if you have an iPad with AT&T, then go into your local AT&T store and see what options they have for you. Places like Walmart, radio shack and best buy may also have options for you.

I don't have a cellular iPad, maybe someone here that does can give you some better advice.

you could. Really it's not much different than using the chip hardwired in your iPad.

That small chip you mention is a nano-SIM card which indicates your iPad can operate on a cellular network.

As was recommended, go to an AT&T Store or call them and see what data plans might be available to you.

You don't need a mifi device which would only require a cellular plan of its own.

Matt

You don't need to waste time going to an AT&T store, you can activate cellular data and choose an available plan right from Settings on your AT&T cellular iPad. There are only a few plans to choose from. It's not rocket science.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4157