Verizon 3G Has Connectivity Issues, Small Number Of iPad 2s Affected, Elvis'd
June 11, 2011
Remember that news about a small number of Verizon iPad customers having cellular connectivity issues? Well, the problem never went away, and Apple has finally identified the cause, issuing a recall on select iPads (even those en route via FedEx). Mac Rumors has the story:
Apple is recalling some Verizon/CDMA models of the iPad 2 because of a manufacturing glitch that caused some of the devices to carry a duplicate identification number, causing issues with 3G service. Apple told the Wall Street Journal that the number of iPads affected was "extremely small".The problem, it seems, is that some Verizon iPads contain Mobile Equipment Identifiers that were duplicated from previously activated CDMA units. As Mac Rumors explains, this means that,
[w]hen users with iPads carrying duplicate MEIDs attempt to set up cellular data accounts, the system sees their devices as having already been set up.iPad retailers are being given a list of serial numbers to search for affected products, but it's unclear at this point how Apple intends on replacing older faulty iPads already purchased. That said, if you're a Verizon iPad customer having difficulties connecting over 3G, you shouldn't have much trouble getting a new replacement now. Call Apple and let 'em know what's up. Then, let us know what's up.