Did I miss something?

[zpilot]

So with the new iPads coming out with 4g antenna, is the 3g antenna completely gone? So in essence, if you're not in a 4g coverage area, you're SOL. Is the 4g antenna backwards compatible?

 

[bossxii]

You missed it...

 

[KylePowers]

The new iPad supports fast cellular networks around the world — up to 4G LTE.* On a 4G network, you can download content, stream video, and browse the web at amazing speeds. And if you’re in a location without a 4G LTE network, you’ll still get access to fast 3G networks including HSPA, HSPA+, and DC-HSDPA.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/4g/