Apple iPad 3G FAQ
3G is the third generation technology of wireless technology. It is mainly used to allow mobile phones and devices such as the Apple iPad to connect to the internet using a mobile phone network such as 3 Mobile. Imagine being able to browse the internet anywhere you can get access to a mobile phone signal - that is what 3G can offer.
So I can use my 3G iPad anywhere?
Your iPad 3G can be used in any location that offers a 3G signal. If you live in an urban area, you should have no problems getting connected, but you may struggle to surf the internet at 3G speeds if you're on a remote beach or countryside area.
Isn’t 3G expensive?
Using 3G used to be expensive - only three years ago it would have cost you £60 a month, and so only only large companies could justify it. The good news is that in the last year, prices have fallen thanks to increased competition and introduction of £G supported devices such as the iPad. It is now possible to connect your 3G iPad for as little as 25p per day with 3 Mobile.
How fast is 3G?
3G is not as fast as a fixed line broadband connection that you would use at home or work. However, most of the iPad applications do not require a high speed connection, so you should find that a 3G speeds are good enough for general internet surfing, writing emails, chatting with friends and watching videos online.
Which network has the best 3G coverage?
- 3 Mobile - 97% coverage
- Orange - 93% coverage
- T Mobile - 85% coverage
- Virgin - 85% coverage (uses T Mobile network)
- 02 - 80% coverage
- Vodafone - 80% coverage
3 Voted Best Network For 3G Mobile Broadband
According to the 2010 YouGov DongleTracker survey, the 3 Mobile network achieved top marks in more than half of the 15 categories. 4,000 mobile internet users were surveyed for the study, and placed 3 Mobile as the best provider in terms of value for money, connection speed, reliability and ease of use.
3 Mobile also proudly topped the polls for best mobile broadband with consumers on comparison websites Top10.com and BroadbandExpert.com. Get the best iPad experience with 3 Mobile.
iPad Micro SIM Card
If you have a new iPad 3G you will need a micro SIM card and data tariff plan to get connected online and receive access to full mobile broadband.
3 Mobile have a range of great value tariffs on Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go with prices starting at £7.50 per month for 1GB internet usage.
For every 1GB of data in your plan you can roughly expect to:
- Receive 10 hours of internet surfing
- Download 5 videos online
- Send or receive 1000 emails
- Download 30 music tracks
Remember, you can always change your tariff plan at any time if you find your usage is too high or low. With it being a one month contract, you can also cancel with only 30 days notice.
3 Mobile are confident that you won't find a more competitive iPad SIM card deal from any other mobile network for the same affordable price.
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Micro SIM Cards Explained
SIM cards allow you to access and connect to a mobile network. Each SIM card is unique and enables mobile phone companies to identify the connection.
What is a Micro SIM card?
A micro SIM card is exactly the same as a normal SIM card that you find in mobile phones – the difference is that it’s smaller. A regular SIM card is 15mm x 25mm. The micro SIM card is 12 mm and 15mm.
Why was the Micro SIM created?
The micro SIM was designed to work in devices that are too small to accept a regular SIM card.
What does this have to do with the iPad?
To connect to the 3G network you need a micro SIM. The SIM card from your mobile phone will not work, since it is too big to fit into the iPad.