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 with your carrier.
Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 3G. Which iPad should you choose?
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 the same signals your mobile 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.
No-contract 3G service.
To enable 3G service on your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G, you need a micro-SIM card and a data plan. A number of carriers offer no-contract data plans for iPad, and you can activate 3G service anytime after installing the micro-SIM card; some plans can even be activated right on the iPad. Micro-SIM cards are available from the Apple Online Store and Apple Retail Stores and directly from carriers; contact your carrier for details.
Find out about 3G data plans from carriers offering micro-SIM cards through the Apple Online Store and Apple Retail Stores. Learn more
Here’s how to get 3G service for your iPad:
- Purchase your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G.
- Get a micro-SIM card either from Apple or from a carrier offering iPad data plans; you’ll select your data plan later.
- Install your micro-SIM card.
- Use the on-device activation process (where available) or contact your wireless carrier for activation details.
Carriers
3G service for iPad is available from the following carriers. Each carrier offers a range of data plan options.
