3G cellular connection on iPad

[tripletipple]

When I purchased my iPad I paid around £100 extra to have a cellular connection option. It doesn't work properly. I can connect to internet, just, takes ages usually, then browsing is impossible as it takes so long to move between pages or just drops out altogether.

I don't understand, if this is working on the same technology as mobile phones ie. 3G, why do I see so many people around me connecting effortlessly on their smartphones while I can't get connected on my iPad?

[NetworkGuy]

What mobile network is your iPad on? Are you city / rural based ? Have you checked any coverage maps for the mobile network ?

Did you buy the iPad a while ago, is there an Apple store you can visit to get it checked ?

Sorry, I don't have many answers, just questions, but they're similar to what I'd ask someone with a mobile phone having problems... as it may be a mobile connection problem.

PS I don't have an iPad let alone a 3G one.

[tripletipple]

It's Vodaphone and rural. In some areas I get a strong signal but it still doesn't work properly. It was bought in September.

I would have to travel for about an hour to an Apple store but would do that if I thought it was something they could resolve. I could phone them I suppose? I've just never bothered till now as I mostly use it with WiFi but it is annoying when I paid for the extra service.

[NetworkGuy]

It may be worth phoning them to ask if there are known problems with a batch and have your serial number to hand, or even better, use e-mail.

[RustyBear]

Where are you, and who is your supplier? - 3G coverage can be patchy - if I have to use 3G at work when our internet is down, I can sometimes get a signal in one room and not in another - and when I was at my Dad's house in South Devon, I only got 3g in the extreme easterly corner of his sitting room!
This page has some useful links to coverage maps for different suppliers

[HedleyLammarr]

You may have the 3G model but do you have a dedicated 3G phone package you pay monthly for? Cos that's what you'll need

Also, personal hotspot your iphone (assuming you have one) to your iPad and see if that's any quicker