Apple Ipad 2 Wifi 3G 64Gb (Verison)

[Fatfrank]

My friend just came back from USA with two brand new Ipad 2 wi-fi 3G 64GB models

His particular model is restricted for the Verizon phone network (CDMA)

Before I buy one, will this model (Verizon) work within the Thailand phone network? eg can it be unlocked?

Thx

[dave_boo]

Good chance it can be unlocked.

The real question is whether or not CAT (only company he can use it with) will register the device on their network....which from what people have stated trying to get other phones onto CAT's network is impossible.

**edit**

While there is a prepaid CDMA option, the Verizon's ipad does not have a SIM slot

Edited April 18, 2011 by dave_boo

[colinthailand20005]

You can unlock it, and it will work on any network here in Thailand if you can put a sim card in it, but the unlock process slows down the IPAD and consumes alot more battery.

I sold my IPhone 3GS that I had to unlock from Australia, because of battery issues, and the not being able to do a standard update, because any update erases your unlock, and then wipes your phone, it was a nightmare, just wait until the unlocked version is released.

Do not touch these IPAD 2 locked with a barge pole!!!

You have been warned!

[Phil Conners]

// Moved to Apple subforum

You can unlock it, and it will work on any network here in Thailand if you can put a sim card in it, but the unlock process slows down the IPAD and consumes alot more battery.

Only GSM devices have sim card slots. CDMA devices don't, they're "hard coded" with the subscriber info. It is true that there is a CDMA carrier in Thailand. It used to be called Hutch but they were bought by someone else, I think AIS but I could be wrong about this. AFAIK they don't accept "foreign devices" on their network though, only devices bought from them.

[colinthailand20005]

I think you have no chance of using this device Hutch network, and also they are phasing out hutch and going to upgrade them to 3G soonish.

You might be able to get them mechanically altered at a specialist shop at MBK, I don't know for sure but, it might be worth an ask around.

[dave_boo]

// Moved to Apple subforum

You can unlock it, and it will work on any network here in Thailand if you can put a sim card in it, but the unlock process slows down the IPAD and consumes alot more battery.

Only GSM devices have sim card slots. CDMA devices don't, they're "hard coded" with the subscriber info. It is true that there is a CDMA carrier in Thailand. It used to be called Hutch but they were bought by someone else, I think AIS but I could be wrong about this. AFAIK they don't accept "foreign devices" on their network though, only devices bought from them.

CAT is the one who bought out Hutch. And other than Bangkok and a few surrounding provinces CAT had the lion's share of coverage throughout the Kingdom.

Also some CDMA products, and not just the CDMA/GSM, have a 'SIM' card called a R-UIM.

[Fatfrank]

Thx for everyone's input on this, so if I understand correctly:

CAT does provide HDMA service in Thailand

Ipad 2 would not have a SIM card slot for HDMA services

Would there need to by a physical altering of the Ipad 2 to use the CAT HDMA services or would you just need to subscribe to their plan?

Thx again

[negreanu]

My understanding only the AT&T ipad2 will work in Thailand.

[dave_boo]

Thx for everyone's input on this, so if I understand correctly:

CAT does provide HDMA service in Thailand

Ipad 2 would not have a SIM card slot for HDMA services

Would there need to by a physical altering of the Ipad 2 to use the CAT HDMA services or would you just need to subscribe to their plan?

Thx again

From my 'googling' it appears that there is no hardware hack to enable a 'sim' card on the CDMA version of the ipad2.

You could of course attempt to get CAT to use (activate) the ESN (Electronic Subscriber Number; similar to the IMEI-International Mobile Equipment Identifier-that GSM systems use) but from personal experience, as well as reports from this board, that just doesn't happen. However, if they would you would not have to alter the ipad at all.

[Somtamnication]

or wait till April 25th, when Singapore and HK will have them, then they trickle down to Thailand at below the prices that you now see at MBK or Phuket...

[MKAsok]

The Verizon CDMA iPad 2 isn't locked apparently, so it would be down to CAT as to whether they support it or not. You should ask them (as dave_boo stated above). If not, you can tether it very simply via bluetooth with a mobile (I have an iPad 2 with no 3G capability and it tethers with my iPhone 4 without any issues). Better still, just buy the GSM version.