I had an interesting time activating my iPad Air 2 with verizon today. It went something like this
Me: Hi, I'd like to activate this new iPad with verizon on a prepaid data plan.
Manager: Is it a verizon specific model?
Me: Its brand new, the iPads are now carrier agnostic, I just need a SIM.
Manager: Thats not possible.
Me: Of course it is, I just need a Verizon SIM.
Manager: That won't work with Verizon's CDMA network.
Me: Listen, I know what I'm talking about. I know about CDMA networks but as I'm sure you know LTE is completely SIM based. There are no more carrier specific iPads. Just give me a SIM.
Manager: We can't do it, we just lost a 50 line deal with a local company because we can't activate iPads from other carriers.
Me: There are no such thing as carrier specific devices with the new iPads. They come with an Apple SIM which will automatically work with the other carriers. This iPad has not been activated by any cellular provider. I just need a Verizon SIM.
Manager: Well, if you don't mind waiting and possibly wasting your time, I can add you to the queue.
Had one of the associates create a new account for me in the system, scan the sim, popped it in my iPad, reset my network settings via Settings -> General -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings. Worked like a charm. It is honestly pathetic how clueless these people can be. So excited about this iPad though.