All iPad models come with built-in Wi-Fi. If you want to access the Internet in more places, choose iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G and sign up for 3G data service from AT&T or Verizon — right on your iPad.
iPad with Wi-Fi is ideal if you have a wireless high-speed Internet router in your home, or if you’ll be using your iPad near a wireless hotspot — in a coffee shop or school library, for example.
iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G includes Wi-Fi connectivity as well as 3G connectivity. 3G uses cellular signals — the same signals your cell phone uses — to connect to the Internet. Choose an iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G if you’ll be spending time in places without Wi-Fi hotspots, such as outdoors or on your morning commute.
If you decide on an iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G, be sure to select the model that corresponds with the carrier you’d like to use for 3G service. The iPad model you purchase is specially configured to work with either AT&T or Verizon — not both. So while you don’t have to activate 3G service right away, you should choose your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G according to the carrier you prefer.
When you decide to activate 3G data service, you can choose the amount of data per month you want to buy — with no long-term contract. So if you have a business trip or vacation approaching, just sign up for the month you’ll be traveling and cancel when you get back.
Tap Settings and choose Cellular Data. Then select a plan and enter your payment information.
iPad lets you know when you’re about to reach your data limit so you can add more.
If you want more data, you can sign up for a different plan — or cancel 3G data service altogether — anytime, right from your iPad.