iPad 2 3G is "World-Mode"

[Paul Daniel Ash]

One little-noticed upgrade to the AT&T iPad 2's 3G radio will make a big difference to many users outside the US and international travelers: the refreshed tablet now supports quad-band UMTS, like the iPhone 4. The original iPad, as well as the iPhone 3G/3GS, only had tri-band UMTS, omitting support for the 900 MHz band common in Asia and parts of Europe. The Verizon model's CDMA radio, on the other hand, is compatible with very few carriers' networks worldwide, making it a poor choice for globetrotters.

One of the complaints about the iPhone 3G, and its successor the 3GS, was that it supported only AT&T's 850 and 1900 MHz UMTS bands, and the 2100 MHZ band used in Europe and Asia. Many carriers in Australasia, however, use the 900 MHz band, especially in rural areas, and since the European Commission opened up the 900 MHz band in 2009, carriers in Europe expanded their offerings in that frequency range as well. 900 MHz is attractive in less populated areas, because lower frequencies travel further and penetrate buildings more easily than the higher frequencies do, which means carriers don't have to deploy as many base stations. As a result, when the iPhone 4 included support for the UMTS VII operating band, it came as a relief to users in these areas. Previously, the best available to users of these carriers was slow EDGE or even GPRS service.

The GSM iPad's inclusion of 900 MHz support, then, means that the same device can be used with many carriers in Europe, Asia, and the Antipodes, where Vodafone offers rural 3G coverage using 900 MHz in Australia and New Zealand, The Verizon iPad may not be the best choice for international travelers, as its EV-DO Rev. A radio isn't compatible with many systems. However, for people who travel mostly between the US, Canada, and Mexico, the Verizon iPad should work just fine, as CDMA is fairly common in those countries.

Source: TUAW

[steve-z17]

That'll be pretty nice. Even if it hadn't gotten that it's still going to kick ***!

[romeo_herman]

Sorry, I don't want Verizon.....

[z3r01]

International bish

Tmobile Internet ! (although I hate tmobiles fraud)

[mikerlx]

Good info thanks!

[whereswaldo]

Another reason why Verizon has to change or fail

[LazyStarGazer]

Actually, if you're traveling to Canada, over 90% of the population is covered by CDMA & GSM.
Either iPad will work here.

[RandyTG]

Another reason why Verizon has to change or fail

And that is the reason they are all over the 700 MHz frequency and rolling out LTE as fast as they can.

[petterloco1]

So will it work whit t-mobile 3G network

[zplit]

Really nice

[SexyIphone3gs]

International bish

Tmobile Internet ! (although I hate tmobiles fraud)

Why is t mobile fraud?

[stfudvs]

if a iphone 5 sports a chip like this unlockers can finally see 3g speeds on tmobile correct?

[MetallicaFan1991]

if a iphone 5 sports a chip like this unlockers can finally see 3g speeds on tmobile correct?

It says like the iPhone 4 so no, I doubt. People say the iPhone 4 doesn't support T Mobile USA's frequency.

[The Maestro]

Isn't t-mobiles 3G 1700/2100 MHz, I hate using edge on my i4

[babyblue_pimp]

It says like the iPhone 4 so no, I doubt. People say the iPhone 4 doesn't support T Mobile USA's frequency.

Correct no 3G

[petterloco1]

I am about to buy a new tablet but I can't decide in between iPad 2 and the xoom, I know most people here will tell me to get the iPad 2 because this an apple forum, but I really want to know what are the advantages of the iPad 2 over xoom besides that is thinner.

[baRRy boRRis]

It's magical.

[petterloco1]

It's that a logical advantage?

[kirkie1]

Here in the UK the iPad 1 Always had 900mhz support
Wi-Fi + 3G model
UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Data only3
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology

[Brr]

I am about to buy a new tablet but I can't decide in between iPad 2 and the xoom, I know most people here will tell me to get the iPad 2 because this an apple forum, but I really want to know what are the advantages of the iPad 2 over xoom besides that is thinner.

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