Apple iPad 4G compatibility issue disappoints Middle East, Australia reacts
Third generation iPad buyers in several countries face disappointment when their newly acquired iPad refused to work with their 4G carriers.
When Apple released its latest iPad, there was two much focused features one is Retina Display and the other is 4G (LTE) network support, but unfortunately reports from several countries suggest that latest iPad owners would not be able to enjoy super fast 4G connection speed, because their current 4G service providers do not support wavelength iPad understands.
Middle-Eastern 4G carriers express concerns that Apple iPad isn’t compatible with their 4G networks over which they have invested millions of dollars.
The latest iPad only works with networks operating at 700 and 2100 megahertz frequencies, however Middle-Eastern 4G service providers operate at 1800 and 2600 ranges.
Sacha Dudler of Saudi Telecom Company (STC) said “the news is a disappointment”. It means that Saudi users could not take advantage of 100Mbps connection speed which 4G technology offers and what would happen to its investment on 4G if world’s biggest technology company doesn’t support its network frequency.
Australians also facing same problem but their reaction is more than just disappointment, consumer watchdog, Australia's Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has taken Apple to court, accusing Apple of misleading Australian customers by promoting iPad as WiFi and 4G compatible, while this is not practically possible in Australia as current 4G network operated by Telstra does not support iPad compatible frequency.
However, Apple deny this accusation saying iPad works on globally accepted 4G standards and if customers feel to be betrayed by iPad marketing campaign then Apple is ready to refund their money. Whereas on its website, Apple does state that 4G (LTE) is only supported on selected networks in the US and Canada.
Whatever be the case, 4G incompatibility problem is a bit frustrating for iPad users who want to enjoy supercharged internet speed, either Apple or their local mobile service providers need adjustments in order to make their customers happy.
