Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Carrier AT&T vs Verizon ipad mini
- Thread starter mekump
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I think AT&T does allow hotspot on prepaid but only on the $50/5GB. Meanwhile, you can use it even with the $20/1GB Verizon prepaid plan (pretty easy to burn through the 1GB, though).
Sorry to bump an old thread, but I also would like to know this. I activated my iPad Mini Retina without taking out the Verizon SIM first because I didn't know about the five-month rule. But I never actually set up anything with the cellular data, I just set up the iPad itself. I'm using a T-Mobile SIM currently, but I'm curious if my Verizon SIM sitting in a drawer now has a five-month self-destruct timer or if it's still good if I ever need it.
You did not activate the SIM, though there is still an expiration date on the SIM. Since your SIM came with the iPad and did not come in the pop-out placard, I would estimate that your expiration date for the SIM is probably sometime in 2015 (not 100% sure).
Am I reading this right , you have an iPad VZW that your using on TMO? If so can you do the same with AT&T iPad.
I'm also thinking the only difference is the SIM? Any and all feedback appreciated.
Thanks
I'm also thinking the only difference is the SIM? Any and all feedback appreciated.
Thanks
Yes, the only difference is with the SIM card, though I have heard that some people have issues activating a non-Verizon iPad on Verizon since the MEID/IMEI is not listed in their system.
Interestingly enough I stopped by the Verizon store when I was at the mall today and the guy working there swore up-and-down that not only would my included SIM card never expire, but also that my SIM card would NOT become invalid after five months of inactivity, but that I I would only lose my number but could simply reactivate the SIM card later so I would only have to use data when I need it. Based on what I've read about Verizon's arguably shady practices, I can only conclude that either A) he was ignorant of his own company's policies, B) he was lying through his teeth, or C) Verizon's policies have changed. And I find option C quite hard to believe.
I know when the activated mine on AT&T they used a generic IMEI in my acct and gave me the sim to take home and pop in .
I'm on the fence as to AT&T or VZW, at the moment, have AT&T Cellphone, and really do not want 2 different bills coming in month to month
----------
I have the VZW and activated it through the setup in the IOS , low and behold I did not know that it was going to charge my CC for each change, started with 40 dollar and went to 30 dollar , now to switch over to the month to month paper bill I have to dispute the charges to get a refund. Also that they said there was no hotspot till they found it in there system and turned it on, and like you said they swore up and down you can't do that, gee then what's this feature and can I get a discount.
There told to push plans and make money , it's rare but you can find VZW employee's that want there commission but will NOT F over a customer to get it.
There initial data plans' for the iPad are still in the system which will save you money
No prob. I can actually tell you now since I have experience. The clock starts at first activation. When I activated the VZW iPad and then immediately canceled a pop-up appeared warning me I had to resubscribe w/i 5 months or my SIM would be deactivated and a (VZW) replacement would not be available.
She's not talking about activating the iPad on Verizon service. She's referring to the setup process that requires a SIM card in the iPad for the activation of the device.
Yes, I understand what she wrote. The iPad is not the iPhone. A SIM card is NOT required to activate the iPad itself, only cellular service. If you read her question to me my response makes perfect sense regarding when a VZW SIM deactivates.
Your response was ambiguous in that you didn't refer to the "activation" of the iPad itself or the activation of cellular service. I know that a SIM card is not needed to activate an iPad, but she didn't know that (as stated in her question). Your response made it seem as her her SIM card would be deactivated 5 months after she "activated" the iPad.
Also, I heard that you can get a Verizon SIM at an Apple store for free.
Thanks guys, I think I got it now. It looks like I'm good for at least a while until sometime in 2015 when the SIM might expire. For now I guess I'll stick with T-Mobile, since they are offering a gig of data for only $10 a month until January of 2015. When the price goes back up to $20 I'll decide whether I want to stick with T-Mobile or go with Verizon, since the price would then be identical.
Have reading in context skills lowered that much? Do you subscribe to iTunes to keep your iPad activated with Apple? At any rate if the poster needed clarification from me she is free to ask & I would be happy to respond. Your browbeating is not necessary.
As for VZW SIMs which you "heard" were available @ Apple store, now who is being ambiguous? I was restating the message that actually popped up on my iPad, not what I "heard." But a search of these forums will show getting a new VZW SIM for an iPad w/o a contract is close to impossible.
It seems you're the one with reading issues. If you re-read her original question, she confused the iPad device activation with activation of cellular service. I already answered her question so there was no need for her to ask you.
Ambiguous? If you do a search on this forum, most (if not all) people do not have success obtaining SIM cards from Verizon stores. If you read further, some members on this forum have successfully received a free Verizon SIM from an Apple store. I obtained a Verizon SIM at my local Apple store the other day, though I did make a Genius Bar appointment just in case.
Last edited: