Just got a 3g ipad and trimmed down an o2 uk sim card which has unlimited 3g. It shows on the to top left corner i have 3g, but when i load up a web page it shows the 'could not activate cellular data network' window..

Can appreciate most on here are from the states but was wondering if anyone had a solution?

cheers

Mick

Originally Posted by wooney

Just got a 3g ipad and trimmed down an o2 uk sim card which has unlimited 3g. It shows on the to top left corner i have 3g, but when i load up a web page it shows the 'could not activate cellular data network' window..

Can appreciate most on here are from the states but was wondering if anyone had a solution?

cheers

Mick

Hi, I did the same when I got my 3g ipad. To get the 3g working go into the "Cellular Data" settings, under "APN Settings" you need to set the APN to mobile.o2.co.uk, username: web, password: password

Justin

Who's the official 3G service provider in the UK?

Hi, I don't think there's a single "official" provider. I'm happy with O2, but you can get 3G on Vodafone, Orange, 3 and probably others. I'm using an iPad bought in the US before available in the UK so I had to trim a standard sim to the size of a microsim, but when iPad is officially launched here on Friday I'm sure you'll be able to get microsim cards with 3g data plans from most networks.

O2, Orange and Vodafone are the three 'official' providers of microsims and data plans for the iPad through the Apple store - though as Justin says, there are other 3G networks and service providers here in the UK, so no reason why a trimmed SIM card from any of them shouldn't work.

Pete.

I purchased an 02 Micro Sim for Apple iPad (Pay & Go) and had it sent from the UK to the USA. I have a 3g USA iPad and am going to the UK for vacation. Can I activate the 02 sim in the USA before leaving? If so, any guidance?

If not, can I activate it in the UK when I arrive without connecting to a computer (which I won't have) with iTunes? Any guidance on this?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by dp118

I purchased an 02 Micro Sim for Apple iPad (Pay & Go) and had it sent from the UK to the USA. I have a 3g USA iPad and am going to the UK for vacation. Can I activate the 02 sim in the USA before leaving? If so, any guidance?

If not, can I activate it in the UK when I arrive without connecting to a computer (which I won't have) with iTunes? Any guidance on this?

Thanks.

You should be able to purchase a data plan from the Cellular Data menu in Settings on your iPad once you arrive in the UK, possibly before although this might be considered roaming. Not sure if there's anything special you need to do to activate the sim, but see no harm trying to putting the O2 sim in while you're in the states and connecting to iTunes before you leave (though I don't think this is necessary). Have a nice vacation.

As the last poster suggested, I don't think you'll have any trouble. On my '3' account, even if there's no remaining download capacity left on the card or if I've never used it before, using it and then firing up Safari takes me straight through to the '3' website, where I can use my credit card to top up for another month. I'm sure that O2 do something similar. In any case, there are mobile 'phone stores in every mall, so you'll have no problems.

There are endless WiFi hotspots in the UK too, in fact, you'll find it difficult *not* to be near a hotspot - they're ubiquitous. Malls, coffee shops, motels, airports, franchises, even some public transport - trains especially, but even some buses.

I hope you enjoy your vacation. Your only problem will be the weather ;-))

Tim
Scotland

Tim and Justin,

Thanks for the excellent information. I might try installing the 02 card in the USA and hooking up to iTunes to see what happens. Don't want any surprises when I get to Scotland. I will definitely top up when I get to Edinburgh. Really looking forward to my trip and your famous weather. Thanks again.

Take warm clothing! It's bloody cold atm with prevailing winds from the arctic.
<vigorously wields axe and adds another chairleg to the fire...>