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mooseknuckles

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 12, 2010
71
7
As my questions states above, is it possible to access the ATT WiFi Network (airports/hotels etc) when your iPad 3G is not currently on an active 3G plan?

I have an iPhone 4 AT&T model (switched to Verizon), that currently has no service on it that my family has been using as a "touch" that is currently able to access the AT&T WiFi network in airports/hotels. Do any of you have an iPad 1 3G model that is not on an active data plan, and are able to access AT&Ts WiFi network?

I will most likely tether my iPad2, however the benefit of the AT&T WiFi network and the GPS unit will likely push me towards a 3G model.

I have searched for this answer ad nauseam with no luck and appreciate your assistance!
 

Kadin

macrumors 6502a
Jun 16, 2009
597
2
As my questions states above, is it possible to access the ATT WiFi Network (airports/hotels etc) when your iPad 3G is not currently on an active 3G plan?

I have an iPhone 4 AT&T model (switched to Verizon), that currently has no service on it that my family has been using as a "touch" that is currently able to access the AT&T WiFi network in airports/hotels. Do any of you have an iPad 1 3G model that is not on an active data plan, and are able to access AT&Ts WiFi network?

I will most likely tether my iPad2, however the benefit of the AT&T WiFi network and the GPS unit will likely push me towards a 3G model.

I have searched for this answer ad nauseam with no luck and appreciate your assistance!
You do not need an active 3G account to use Wifi on the iPad. Regardless of 3G subscription status, you can still always use wifi.
 

mooseknuckles

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 12, 2010
71
7
It'll connect but you'd have to pay the daily fee; unless you have AT&T DSL or U-Verse.

Otherwise since your wireless lines are gone, then no free Wi-Fi; just paid.

Interesting, thanks. Not what I was hoping for. I wonder as to why I am still able to connect my iPhone4 that has NO SERVICE to all the spots, select the ATT network and hop right on.
 

jav6454

macrumors Core
Nov 14, 2007
22,303
6,257
1 Geostationary Tower Plaza
Interesting, thanks. Not what I was hoping for. I wonder as to why I am still able to connect my iPhone4 that has NO SERVICE to all the spots, select the ATT network and hop right on.

I think that AT&T made their Wi-Fi networks allow iPhones to connect regardless, since at the time only AT&T had them and foreign iPhones connected and roamed on AT&T only. So thats why your phone is connecting.


However, seeing as Verizon now has it, things might change. So I wouldn't count that iPhone has having a reliable connection on AT&T's Wi-Fi network from now on.
 
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