iPad a Drain on AT&T?

[Jeff Campbell]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.macworld.com/article/146029/2010/01/att_network_ipad_iphone.html?lsrc=rss_main' target='_blank'>http://www.macworld.com/article/146...l?lsrc=rss_main</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Now that AT&amp;T has taken its lumps from competitors and users over the size of its 3G network, the company is determined not to be caught flat footed again."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1263310440.usr105634.jpg" /></p><p>So the day after iPad, AT&amp;T comes out with information that basically says we won't let you down. They are committing to investing $2 billion USD on improving their wireless network in 2010 adding approximately 2,000 new cell sites to expand coverage. AT&amp;T also expects by the end of 2011 to have 90 percent of their 3G network covered with the transition to HSPA 7.2 technology. Even though this came on the heels of the iPad announcement, I don't think this will be as much a drain on the AT&amp;T network as others are thinking it will be. I'm of the opinion that this will mainly be in the home or used where there is Wi-Fi available for the most part. I could be wrong, but I'm basing it on the fact that the iPad, while portable, isn't like the iPhone that is carried everywhere you go. I see the regular user having it in a place they normally use Wi-Fi like the home, office or dorm. What are your thoughts?&nbsp;</p>

[doogald]

This is anecdotal, but I have read that users of AT&T's wireless modems have had no data problems at all during all of these reported iPhone data issues. That may be a good sign.

Also, I agree: I think that the iPad will be more of a sitting at home, mainly WiFi, not carry around all of the time, like a phone, use for most. Though I suppose we'll see...

[crimsonsky]

Seconded in agreement, primarily due to nature of device. Consider that I use my iPhone primarily in WiFi areas I'd suspect that it'd be even more so with iPad.

[possmann]

I am going to get the WIFI only model. Don't need 3G on this baby as that will not be my intended use for it. Anyone want to bet that someone will soon figure out how to hook up an iPhone to this for tethering?
What would be really cool is if ATT actually did that themselves... NAH - never happen.

[Sven Johannsen]

That's my take. I'd opt for a WiFi only if any. Don't need yet another 3G bill. I can always connect it via my Verizon MiFi or tether with my AT&T WinMo phone.

[Macguy59]

Anyone want to bet that someone will soon figure out how to hook up an iPhone to this for tethering?


Already possible via jailbreak using an app called MyWi. Not that I would know . . . :D

[Macguy59]

Don't need yet another 3G bill

The beauty of it is that you wouldn't have another 3G bill. It works as a prepaid service that is purchased directly from the tablet. No contract required. Only buy it when you want or need it

[Sven Johannsen]

The beauty of it is that you wouldn't have another 3G bill. It works as a prepaid service that is purchased directly from the tablet. No contract required. Only buy it when you want or need it
So prepaid doesn't cost money? It's not a contract..it's still a bill, for more of something I'm already paying for.