New to this stuff?

When you get home with it, the first thing you'll need to do, is set up the Wi-Fi, and set up an iCloud ID which can also be used as Apple ID.

Here's the procedure:
Get started with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Your device will use your home internet connection as long as available.

If you're away from your Wi-Fi, you either need another Wi-Fi connection (at work, e.g.), or a SIM card, so you can use a cellular connection. Here's a problem, though: if you purchased a Wi-Fi only iPad, you can't use it with SIM card, because the slot for the card will be missing, and can't be added afterwards.

If you get a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad:
As long as you don't need a cellular connection, you can decide which carrier to use. Afaik, iDevices are not locked to a specific carrier. It would be best to contact the carriers available in your area and ask them about plans available for your device.

Hope that helps.