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Report: Apple Acknowledges iPad 2 Connection Issues

 & Sara Yin Junior software analyst

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Soon after the Apple iPad 2 hit Verizon stores on March 11, users were reporting problems connecting to the Verizon 3G network.

The problem most often cited in a 7-page discussion at Apple's Support forum is that users can't turn on their tablet's 3G antenna without rebooting the device. For instance, if you've set your iPad 2 on Wi-Fi only or Airplane modes, you may not be able to re-activate 3G without restarting your tablet.

"If I have Wi-Fi on and then want to switch to 3G, then I can never connect and I only get the iPad icon on the upper left hand corner," a user wrote on March 30. "I have to reboot the Ipad with 3G on in order to connect. If I stay with just 3G, then I can turn it on and off without any problems."

Another user who had the same problem said Apple replaced his iPad 2 immediately but was experiencing the same problem with his replacement.

Until now, neither Apple nor Verizon have ever acknowledged the issue. But on Friday, Apple told All Things Digital (ATD) that it was looking into it.

"We are aware that a small number of iPad 2 customers have experienced connectivity issues with the Verizon 3G network and we are investigating it," Apple said.

A few AT&T iPad 2 users chimed in suggesting Verizon customers switch to AT&T.

"If any of you are within the 14 days, I would highly recommend just swapping out or returning your Verizon one and get an AT&T model," a user wrote. "I was lucky and got mine switched, everything thing now works like it's supposed to."

The Apple iPad 2 (Wi-fi + 3G) is offered by AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

About Our Expert

Sara Yin

Sara Yin

Junior software analyst

Sara Yin is a junior analyst in the Software, Internet, and Networking group at PCmag.com, pouring most of her energy into app testing and security matters at Security Watch with Neil Rubenking. She lies awake at night pondering the state of mobile security (half-true). Prior to joining PCMag.com, Sara spent five years reporting for publications in New York City (Huffington Post), Hong Kong (South China Morning Post), and Singapore (Campaign Asia, Men's Health). Follow her on Twitter at @SecurityWatch and @sarapyin, or contact her the old school way: email. That's sara_yin AT pcmag.com.

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