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$2 App Makes Comparing New iPad “4G” and 4G LTE Coverage Simple

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Picking the right new iPad for you is a challenge, especially if you need one with 3G or 4G connectivity.

The new iPad comes a 4G LTE from Verizon and AT&T. Picking the right model for you, it’s more challenging than just figuring out where you have the best 4G LTE coverage.

The AT&T iPad can connect to AT&T’s “4G” network, which is HPSA+. This network is faster than Verizon’s 3G network and AT&T’s 3G network but it’s not 4G LTE.

(Read: New iPad Review)

It can be difficult to figure out where you can get this “4G” coverage from AT&T, but we have an easy solution.

Coverage? is a $2 iPad app, that makes it simple to compare coverage of options in your neighborhood and across the country. Below, you can see AT&T’s “4G” network coverage versus Verizon 4G LTE coverage.

4g vs. 4G LTE

AT&T "4G" in blue vs. Verizon 4G LTE in Red

As Kevin noted in his review of the 3G and “4G” speeds on the new iPad, if you live in an area with AT&T “4G” coverage and no Verizon 4G LTE coverage, you might be better off picking up the new iPad on AT&T, though it is worth noting that you can use an AT&T SIM in the Verizon iPad.

Coverage? shares a sample of how to use the app in this video below.

AT&T’s fake 4G might be confusing, but the one thing that isn’t confusing is that it is faster than Verizon 3G.

In multiple speed test run by GottaBeMobile.com, we found that AT&T’s HSPA+ “4G” network is many times faster than Verizon’s 3G network, though it still can’t hold a candle to 4G LTE — which is where Verizon has an edge.

In the video below you can see the new iPad 4G LTE Speed Tests, pitting A&T against Verizon.

If you need extra help figuring out which new iPad to buy and which carrier to choose, check out our New iPad Buyer’s Guide.

This is one time where I do not recommend purchasing a new iPad based on which carrier you have a cell phone with.

Just because you have an iPhone through AT&T doesn’t mean the AT&T iPad will be your best choice, and the same goes for Verizon iPhone owners.

In fact, having multiple modes of connectivity, especially with the ability to use the Verizon iPad as a personal hotspot, could come in handy during network outages and while traveling.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. C Dedi

    03/26/2012 at 9:08 pm

    This article was mostly pointless. Comparing Verizons 3g to At&t’s 3g means nothing when 4g LTE is the next evolutionary step for U.S. cellular networks, and Verizon has pleanty of LTE to offer. The CEO of At&t stated that it would take “years” for At&t’s network to catch up to that of Verizon. These providers arent scrambling to fortify, beef up or tout the performance of their 3g networks. What they are trying to do is peddle the next generation of cellular networking to the masses, 4G LTE, and Verizon is already years ahead of At&t’s game. Why would you even recommend purchasing the At&t version of The New iPad not-4g? So that your readers can get less for the same amount of coin? Both iPad 4G’s share the same price tag, and offer data plan prices so close that it isnt worth choosing one over the other for that reason. But ONE offers extras that make it MUCH MORE BANG for the buck(s).

    What would those be you ask?

    1) 15-30+ mbs (with 20-30+ being common) network speeds compared to At&t’s HSPA+ averages of 3-6 mbs. This isn’t even a contest. Unless you’re sitting on top of one of At&t’s new LTE towers, their LTE network is so thin it isn’t even worth buying said version for that feature.

    2) Free wireless hotspot feature, and one with outlet free stamina that will make any smartphone weep.While At&t is steadily doing everything they can to screw their customers out of sharing data they pay for with their other devices. To the point of releasing software updates for their handsets that detect, disable or prevent the installation of after-market tethering apps. Because they want YOU TO PAY THEM that $25/mo fee, simply for being allowed to share data you’re already paying for. They want to dip their hands in your purse/ wallet twice for the same service. But of coarse they’re fine with you being billed the CONTRACTED amount per month, even if you don’t touch on your data cap.

    ….While sneaking updates in to gork handsets that many people paid a pretty penny to make their own (EX: Galaxy Note is still $300 subsidized). They’re handicapping YOUR wireless device. Between what I’ve detailed and falsely advertising a 3g (to 3.5g at best) network as 4g, I dont know how or why At&t isn’t being fined into the ground while simultaneously having their @$$es sued off by customers. I really don’t care for the practices of most wireless carriers, but At&t is so bad that it needs to be forcibly shut down, broken up ….and auctioned off. With the guilty parties being fined into poverty and imprisoned for lengthy periods. 

    Which brings me to reason: 

    3) Support the lesser of two evils with your $ and business

    If you really want to purchase an iPad and use it on At&t’s network, make the smarter purchase and save yourself quite a few clams by purchasing the iPad II 3g At&t version. 

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