If you have the 3G version of the iPad, you have the option of connecting to the Internet through a 3G cellular telephone network. Depending on your cellular telephone provider, you can purchase 3G access on a monthly basis for a fixed fee that either gives you a fixed amount of data or an unlimited amount of data. (You can always switch from the less expensive, but limited data plan to the more expensive, unlimited data plan at any time.)
If you're a heavy Internet user who enjoys watching streaming video or listening to streaming audio, you'll probably be happier with the unlimited data plan. If you just need to browse websites or stay in touch by email, you could probably get by with the less expensive, limited data plan depending on your usage.
To set up a 3G account on your iPad, follow these steps:
From the Home screen, tap Settings. The settings screen appears.
Tap Cellular Data. The Cellular Data settings screen appears as shown in Figure 11-3.
Tap the Cellular Data on/off switch to make sure it reads ON.
(Optional) Tap the Data Roaming on/off switch to turn it ON or OFF. (Data Roaming means that your iPad constantly checks the Internet for email messages, and, in many countries, each time it checks the Internet you could incur a fee.)
Tap View Account. The View Account window appears as shown in Figure 11-4.
Type in the required information and choose a data plan.
Note
To sign up for a data plan, you must type in a credit card number. If you are in an area where you can't get 3G cellular telephone access (such as floating on a cruise ship or driving through a remote area like Death Valley), you will have to wait to sign up for a 3G data plan when you can access a cellular network.
When you sign up for a data plan, it runs for a fixed amount of time, such as 30 days, starting with the date that you signed up for that data plan. If you choose the limited data plan, you'll receive three alerts when your data plan limit reaches 20 percent, 10 percent, and zero. Each alert gives you the chance to sign up for your current plan or choose a different plan.
Your data plan will automatically renew every time period (such as 30 days) until you specifically turn it off. To turn off (or switch) your data plan, follow these steps:
From the Home screen, tap Settings. The settings screen appears.
Tap Cellular Data. The Cellular Data settings screen appears (see Figure 11-3).
Tap View Account. The View Account window appears showing your current data plan.
Click Cancel Plan or one of the other data plan buttons to switch to that data plan.