Well, it seemed like only a matter of time before Apple’s promises of 4G data on its new iPad got the company into trouble. Australia’s competition watchdog is now threatening to sue the Cupertino company over its ‘misleading’ advertising for the new device, which can actually only connect to 4G LTE networks in the U.S.
In other countries, 4G networks are not available, or they use cellular frequencies that the new iPad does not support. But Apple continues to advertise the feature. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), this “represents to Australian consumers that the product, with a SIM card, [can] connect to a 4G mobile data network in Australia, when this is not the case.”
The ACCC has promised to file an application in the Federal Court in Melbourne tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. (AEDT), seeking “injunctions, pecuniary penalties, corrective advertising and refunds to consumers affected,” according to News.com.au.
It’s not just Australian customers were are affected by this, either. In Europe, where 4G networks are scheduled to begin their rollout later this year, carriers are expected to use the 800MHz, 1800MHz, and 2600MHz cellular bands. However, the new iPad only supports the 700MHz and 2100MHz LTE bands.
Apple was “unavailable” for comment this morning.
Thanks for the tip, Shaun!
