IPad 3 to Run on Verizon, AT&T LTE Networks

From DailyTech: As the introduction of the iPad 3 nears, it's iPad-mania as usual. Many are wondering what the new device will feature and what's next in the Apple line of gadgets. The Wall Street Journal has now answered both of those questions, reporting that the iPad 3 will run on 4G networks and that Apple is currently working on an iPad with a smaller screen.

It has been confirmed that AT&T and Verizon Wireless will both sell a version of the iPad 3 that has 4G capabilities. Both AT&T and Verizon are currently the only two carriers who sell the iPad.

At this point, it's uncertain if other carriers like Sprint Nextel Corp. or T-Mobile USA will also sell the new iPad.

AT&T and Verizon are likely working to boost demand for their ultra-fast LTE networks by offering a new 4G-enabled iPad. Carriers typically prefer that customers use LTE networks because they're 50 percent more efficient than 3G networks, according to Verizon. The latest LTE networks are just capable of handling data traffic more easily than 3G networks.

Verizon's LTE network covers approximately 200 million people while AT&T's LTE network covered 74 million people at the end of 2011. AT&T is working to cover 80 percent of the population in 2013.

The iPad 3 will test both carriers' LTE networks come March, as Apple plans to introduce the new gadget at an event during the first week of next month.

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