UPDATE: Will new iPad be compatible with 4G in the UK?
There's growing confusion over whether the new iPad, due to go on sale on March 16th, will be compatible with forthcoming 4G networks in the UK and other parts of Europe.
In the US, the new iPad will have 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) capability built in which will give speeds of around 73Mbps when you're on the move, as opposed to the 100Mbps of the 'full fat' 4G spec.
Current 3G has to offer a minimum of 0.2Mbps, though often will be much faster than that.
However, The Guardian is reporting that although "the new iPad includes superfast LTE connectivity for mobile broadband, the wide range of frequencies used throughout the world, and Apple's focus on the US, means that the first models will apparently not be compatible with LTE frequencies allocated for the UK".
This is because there are six different 4G variations around the world and those bands work on different frequencies. So the US bands are different from the UK and European bands.
The new iPad is designed to work across the LTE standard of 700 to 2100MHz in America, while the UK's trials are 800 to 2600MHz.
That means to enjoy 4G connectivity when the UK eventually does get the new high-speed mobile standard, Apple would have to produce a new iPad 4G specific to the UK LTE networks.
The auction for 4G spectrum in the UK is expected to take place later this year after some delays, with the service becoming available sometime in 2013.
Apple is currently advertising the new iPad on its UK online store as "wi-fi + 4G" capable with Vodafone, Orange, O2 and 3 logos alongside and saying "connects to the internet over wi-fi and 4G mobile data networks".
In a statement to whathifi.com, Apple says: "During the launch last Wednesday, we confirmed support for five LTE networks, three in Canada and two in the USA.
"The new iPad also works on GSM/UMTS worldwide network technologies, including HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA, the fastest 3G networks out there. You'll see download speeds of 42Mbps with DC-HSDPA and up to 21.1Mbps with HSPA+."
Meanwhile anyone ordering the new iPad online has been told that due to overwhelming demand delivery has been delayed, and they won't get their new device until Monday, March 19th.
To get one before that, you'll have to queue at an Apple Store this Friday and stocks are likely to be limited.
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"The new iPad also works on GSM/UMTS worldwide network technologies, including HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA, the fastest 3G networks out there. You'll see download speeds of 42Mbps with DC-HSDPA and up to 21.1Mbps with HSPA+." - Apple statement to WHF
Aha - this is interesting. The iPad 2 didn't support HSPA+ nor DC-HSDPA, so UK owners of the 4G model will still benefit from these higher-speed 3G variants, even if we won't benefit from LTE (which we don't have in the UK anyway).
So it seems there is a benefit for us UK owners to buy the 4G model, if you're someone who needs a connection away from the home/office/airport etc etc.
I still think this is misleading (Apple UK website:)
Wi-Fi + 4G
Connects to the Internet over Wi-Fi and fast mobile data networks.
I think this gives the false impression that those four listed carriers are capable of supplying a 4G connection, which isn't strictly true.
Is it 100% cerain that the 800,1800,2600Mhz are not covered or activatable?
A physical inspection of the chip(
might confirm that situation.
Anyone willing to open one up to find out?
mr_lizard has it in one - why would anyone be complaining that the new iPad is not compatible with something we won't have for another year or so - it works over 3G and might even be a little better
I can't however support the idea that Apple are, deliberately or otherwise, misleading anyone. Surely they are catering to the the biggest part of their market while not excluding the rest.
If anyone is really worried by this then they can save themselves money and get a WiFi only model
It's true that LTE offers superior performance in terms of establishing a connection from 'cold'.
However, most 3G smartphones (including apple devices) will make use of the connected mode states CELL_PCH and URA_PCH. This means they are 'always on' and once connected will generally remain connected. This avoids having to establish connections from 'cold' and offers very fast setup times.
The throughput is not really the issue. The big advantage of LTE is that has an always-on connection, so you dont get the connection delay associated with 3G.
On the 3G HSPA+ side, the iPad3 supports DC-HSDPA and 64QAM so is capable of throughputs of up to 42 Mbps - assuming network support and good coverage.
Yep throughout Europe we will be using the 800,1800,2600Mhz bands, yet Ipad only supports 700,2100Mhz.
Its called 'smoke and mirrors' - some people actually think the Ipad is quad core rather than still dual-core because of their pr.
In the UK we're stuck with HSDPA/HSDPA+ for the forseeable future anyway.
The lack of UK 4G support is a bit of a downer, but given the UK won't actually have any kind of 4G coverage until 2013 today's buyers aren't missing out much. The device will still connect over 3G right now.
I'd say the marketing is a little too close to 'misinformation' though - whilst the device is 4G capable, it's not going to be able to connect over 4G with any of the carriers listed on the website. And even when we do get 4G in the UK, the device still won't work on our bands, so it'll never benefit from 4G unless you go roaming to a country where the supported bands are. I wouldn't be suprised if someone files a complaint with the ASA... the materials on Apple's website could make it a little clearer that we will only get 3G speeds. The tech specs page does list the frequencies supported, but that might not be enough.