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AT&T CEO sees Apple iPad used mostly on Wi-Fi, not 3G

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 · 8:37 am · 33 Comments

“AT&T Inc. expects users of Apple Inc’s iPad to connect to the Internet mostly using short-range Wi-Fi networks rather than AT&T’s cellular network, the chief executive of AT&T said on Tuesday,” Sinead Carew reports for Reuters.

“‘My expectation is that there’s not going to be a lot of people out there looking for another subscription,’ he said during a webcast of an investor conference, adding that the device would be a mainly ‘Wi-Fi driven product,’” Carew reports.

Full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: We’ll take the Wi-Fi + 3G models, thanks. And here we thought that our confidence that AT&T’s 3G network will be able to handle the influx of iPad users couldn’t be any lower.

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Comment Feed

33 Comments

1 2 Next »

pastrychef

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:38 am · Reply

I’m going to tether it off my iPhone.
silverhawk

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:42 am · Reply

The ability to use the atnt network for a month at a time is attractive.
macRick

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:46 am · Reply

I could see getting the 3G model, but only getting a subscription when I’m going out of town and will likely need the 3G access. Most of the time, it will work just fine using my home network.
NCG598

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:46 am · Reply

Oh no he didn’t , I think they are in for a rude awaking!!
Chris

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:46 am · Reply

I’m amazed iPhone to iPad tethering ONLY (no other devices allowed) isn’t available in the US. I have only occasional need to use my iPad away from a wifi network. This seems like a no-brainer.
deepdish

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:50 am · Reply

I don’t want to, but I will probably pony up for the lowest 3G model and only use 3G a month at a time when I absolutely have to.

I picture myself mainly using it on wifi.

But ATT, you better be ready incase you are wrong and a lot of people do use your 3G network.
Where's my iPad?

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:51 am · Reply

My iPad will be used in WiFi when I have access to WiFi.
My iPhone will be used when I don’t have access to WiFi.
Vleeto

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:55 am · Reply

Maybe the jackasses should enable tethering!
aaplsaur

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 9:59 am · Reply

I live in a great town. I have few problems with AT&T;. Sure I drop calls when driving through very predictable spots, but the FM radio signal gets a little fuzzy now and then, too and they have 100,000 watts of power. The 3G speed here is fast, too. I’m pretty happy.
lurker

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 10:05 am · Reply

I thought the scheme was a no contract monthly enabling of 3G services for a (not too bad) price. If there are significant hardware differences between the 3G and WiFi models (like real GPS, not we know where your “cell tower is” sorta GPS) then the 3G model has significant non-3G functionality that the WiFi only model does not.
Renaldo

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 10:08 am · Reply

I’d have to agree with him, though, I also see the iPad as primarily a WiFi device. 3G would be nice, but the extra $140 for it is a bit much. Web surfing will also burn through those megabytes awfully fast, making the luxury of 3G a bit expensive for my tastes.
AppleJack

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 10:14 am · Reply

It is a bit distressing that they are being a little cavalier about the future needs of their network. Especially when you consider the problems and bad press they got over iPhone service. . . . Doesn’t AT&T;management understand how happy most people would be if they really mobilized and delivered the best coverage and the best service. The initial cost outlay would be daunting, but the business payoff is almost limitless.
Rob

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 10:19 am · Reply

I suspect many will buy iPads with 3G but that most of their traffic will be wifi. I know that even with my iPhone, most of my connections are wifi, which is far faster.
IDArgyll

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 10:37 am · Reply

People talking about tethering have it backwards. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to use the iPad’s 3G data plan and have the iphone tether to it via wifi?

This is a serious question – can this be done?
Superior Being

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 10:40 am · Reply

Rob,

Wi-Fi is not a speed.
CircuitRider

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 10:52 am · Reply

I am waiting for the 64g 3g iPad no question and am sitting by the clock
ballonknot

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 10:55 am · Reply

He underestimates the potential sales of iPads to people like my mom. She has no computer at present and no WiFi. While we notice a significant diference in 3G vs WiFi speed, she has no frame of reference. Also, $15 a month is cheaper than any ISP I’d be interested in using. So it’s a perfect fit for her.
hairbo

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 11:04 am · Reply

I think he’s probably right. I see the iPad as a device that most folks will carry around their house, not outside the home. I could be totally wrong, but with the iPHone, is really obvious that you’d carry it with you everywhere you go. iPad…not so much.
Bob

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 11:12 am · Reply

I agree with this guy. Most people will use it while sitting at their house on WiFi.
ET

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 11:41 am · Reply

I plan to get the 3G model for the GPS capability.

I am frustrated with Apple for leaving GPS out of the iPad, iPod Touch, and laptops. The chip would cost less than $10, the new TI 4 way chip with WiFi, Bluetooth, FM receive and send, and GPS all combined I hear costs about that and drops power requirements by 30% in the process……. Give me that one!

I may get a month of data now and then, but WiFi will be my main source of access.