4G LTE Symbol on Verizon iPad?

[MacLifer]

I have not activated a data plan the new Verizon iPad yet. I wanted to first check signal quality and ability to access 4G beforehand. Right now I see the 3G symbol on my iPad even though I am supposedly in a 4G area.

I went to a Verizon store in my area to ask about it. After getting through the initial shock that they were selling the new iPad but didn't know it had 4G capability 😱, they said I will only see the 4G LTE symbol *after* data plan activation.

Does this explanation jive with what others are seeing or believe is true? I don't want to activate a plan and still not see 4G LTE.

 

[KPOM]

Yes, that's how it was for me. It said 3G, even though Verizon's online coverage map said my address is in an LTE area. After I signed up, the LTE symbol appeared.

 

[nabechu]

Yup, LTE only shows after activating the data plan