I love the podcast and I am a regular listener since I purchased my 3GS iPhone over 1.5 years ago. I also listen to a number of other iPad specific podcasts since getting my iPad2 in early April. I have not heard any reference to the grim discovery I encountered over the past few days. My business partner and I both purchased 3G 64GB models.
We have both recently noticed (or more accurately paid closer attention) some inconsistent 3G data usage. While sitting in the office connected to WiFi we both occasionally watch video podcasts or movies on the HBO Go or ESPN TV apps. If the phone rings or something requiring specific attention arises, we simply pause and/or close the smart cover. The other day, while the iPad was in this condition, the alert tone that an email had arrived sounded but was ignored for about an hour until there was time to resume the broadcast. Upon checking the email, AT&T had sent 2 emails 1 minute apart. The first one stated that only 9% (approx. 22.5MB of the 250MB) of the monthly data was available. The next email that came 1 minute later stated that there was no longer any data remaining for the month and gave an option to pay for more. All of this while the iPad was setting on the desk in “sleep” mode with the smart cover closed for almost 2 hours.
This prompted a phone call to AT&T to get an explanation of how their system could possibly download 23MB of data over 3G to the iPad while connected to WiFi and in sleep mode in a 1 minute span. Their explanation that the emails may not be accurately time stamped and it could have actually happened over a half hour apart. When asked to prove the data usage, the answer was it is not possible unless an annual plan was purchased. Only then would we get an itemized monthly statement listing data usage. Upon further argument, we were told that once the iPad smart cover is closed, WiFi is disconnected and 3G takes over. All apps running in the background will then be running on 3G.
This was difficult to believe so a phone call to Apple was then made in the sole attempt to get proof that this was not true in an effort to further confront AT&T. Unfortunately the phone call to Apple went to 3 levels deep in tech supervision to get the same story. In fact this does happen when the smart cover is closed and the only resolution is to close all apps before closing the smart cover. Otherwise while watching a video or podcast, when the smart cover is closed the remaining portion of the stream will download on 3G even though a WiFi connection is present and available. We tested our units and indeed if you open the smart cover quickly, you can see the 3G turn into the WiFi symbol at the top left corner. It appears the same thing happens when the power button is used to put the unit to sleep.
I find this very difficult to understand why this would be the case. I assume Apple’s stance would be to conserve battery strength, WiFi would shut down. What if you do not have 3G? We do not have access to this model of iPad to run tests. I am even more surprised that I have not heard of this issue from any of the podcasts I regularly listen to. Most importantly, I hope that you can help spread the word that this issue exists so everyone can get a warning before this happens to them. Is this a case of the “not so “smart cover or is “sleep” now a costly nightmare?
Regards,
John F
Simi Valley Ca.
This is actually something people have also seen with the original iPad 3G (obviously not the smartcover - but the regular sleep mode).
The only real solution I have heard of was to keep Cellular data turned off when you know you will be near Wifi. Not an ideal solution.
You might want to check out the app - DataMan. It helps track where and when data is used on your 3G iPad.
Regards,
Rob W
