When your pickup your new iPad today, you need to be sure you choose the right carrier if you’re purchasing a 4G model. That’s because AT&T and Verizon use different cellular bands for their 4G networks, so an AT&T iPad won’t connect to Verizon’s LTE network, and vice-versa.
They will share 3G connections, however. Buy a Verizon iPad and stick an AT&T micro SIM in it and you’ll have no problem connecting to AT&T’s 3G network.
AT&T and Verizon use the same GSM frequency bands for 3G networks, according to MacRumors, which is why the Verizon iPad will work on AT&T for non-LTE connections. All you need to do is apply the AT&T APN settings to your device, then pop in your AT&T micro SIM.
Jsnuff1 of the MacRumors forums wrote:
Big question on everyone’s mind buying the Verizon iPad was whether data from AT&Ts 3G network would work on this iPad, or if Verizon/Apple would block this.
I was one of the first to obtain a Verizon iPad and can happily confirm that this is allowed! I used my ATT iPhone 4S sim card and took out the Verizon sim, and data worked! You must apply the AT&T APN carrier settings before this works though.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijlPC2THVVI
It’s worth remembering, however, that the Verizon iPad cannot use AT&T’s 4G network — only its 3G one.
