I have an Apple iPad 3G on order in the USA that I am planning to send to a friend in the UK.

I assume that 3G service carriers in the UK and in other countries have little information, since the iPad is not yet for sale outside of the USA. However, does anyone anticipate any issues when using the 3G service in other countries when the iPad was purchased in USA?

Are carrier frequencies different in countries other than the USA, or are the iPads manufactured to be compatible with carrier frequencies in other countries?

Thank you in advance for your response.

Jobs said in the keynote that there will be 3G service overseas

3G is an industry standard and the modem built into the iPad supports all worldwide available 3G frequencies. So YES, it will work in UK and everywhere else.

But beware if the iPad has a US AT&T microsim card, you might have horrendous data roaming charges outside the US.

Originally Posted by kheldour

3G is an industry standard and the modem built into the iPad supports all worldwide available 3G frequencies. So YES, it will work in UK and everywhere else.

Thank you. That is very reassuring.

Originally Posted by mreddington

But beware if the iPad has a US AT&T microsim card, you might have horrendous data roaming charges outside the US.

I am not going to be using it as a roaming device in the UK. It will be used strictly with a UK 3G service provider. But now that you mention it, if it does use a SIM card for USA AT&T, why can't it be removed and replaced with one from a UK wireless service provider?

Thanks.

Also beware that LTE is around the corner...and could be out before the second gen iPad hits the shelves.

Originally Posted by gentlefury

Also beware that LTE is around the corner...and could be out before the second gen iPad hits the shelves.

It should be a while before LTE rolls out.

There will always be other upgrades and better things waiting to happen, so why not enjoy the 3G while it's here?

I was shocked to hear from iPAD Applecare support that the iPAD 3G bought in the USA is infact locked to AT&T so you cannot simply replace the micro-sim card. I am moving from the USA to the UK soon & wanted to buy an iPAD in the USA, but now will wait until I am in the UK. This is very strange since I thought that Steve Jobs said in his iPAD keynote speech in January that the iPAD will be unlocked. So, either Steve Jobs doesn't know what he's talking abut or Applecare support doesn't know what they're talking about!!!

Originally Posted by sayerle

So, either Steve Jobs doesn't know what he's talking abut or Applecare support doesn't know what they're talking about!!!

I am pretty sure, that the poor support guy mixed up a few things. Steve Jobs clearly said, that the iPad will be unlocked!!

By Friday, when the first 3G devices will arrive, we all will know. Be patient and make you decision after the weekend.